How Do You Use Visual Thinking at Work?
9th July 2025
Visual thinking is a powerful tool that enhances creativity, organisation, and problem-solving in the workplace. Whether through mind mapping, diagrams, or digital note-taking, many professionals rely on visual methods to clarify their ideas and streamline workflows. To explore how people integrate visual thinking into their daily work, TechEdology recently conducted a poll on social media.
World AT Day 2025: Global Access to Assistive Technology
16th June 2025
World Day for Assistive Technology this month (4th June 2025) was the perfect opportunity for everyone - individuals, organisations, and policymakers from across the globe - to come together and champion the importance of AT. With one goal in mind, to increase access and raise awareness, especially in lower-income countries.
This got us thinking about access to AT globally, so we decided to do some research.
What do you really get with an Inspiration Enterprise License!?
15th May 2025
Let’s be honest, most of us skip the tech specs and small print. But if your business is getting an Inspiration Enterprise License or you're a workplace needs assessor making a recommendation, it’s worth knowing what’s included.
We've compiled a rundown, minus the jargon (and boring bits!)
Case Study: Inspiration - "It's like not being able to walk and being given a wheelchair!"
8th May 2025
James Moody is a SEN Teaching Assistant working in a primary school but looking to undertake a postgraduate degree to help him become a Psychology Wellbeing Assessor. But he says that wouldn’t be possible without Inspiration, admitting that “It’s essential for me to be able to write a document. It’s like not being able to walk and someone gives you a wheelchair; it’s that much of a game changer!”
Case Study: With a 'Grand Master' of Inspiration
28th March 2025
Inspiration isn’t just for the workplace or education. We even have users who rely on it in their home lives to make everyday tasks more manageable and even suggest that Inspiration improved their marriage!
Like Daniel Poulin, a retired building mechanic, who used to depend on Inspiration to create visual instruction manuals detailing how all the different equipment worked. He now uses Inspiration to unwind and tackle daily stress.
EdTech in 2025: Which Trend Will Lead the Way?
17th February 2025
The EdTech landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 promises to be a pivotal year for innovation. A recent poll conducted on LinkedIn by TechEdology asked educators, students, workplace professionals, and AT enthusiasts, "Which EdTech trend do you think will have the biggest impact in 2025?"
This blog looks at the responses and explores how these trends are shaping the future.
Use Inspiration to Achieve your 2025 Goals
17th January 2025
As we welcome a new year, it's the perfect time to reassess priorities and set meaningful goals for 2025. Whether you're heading back to school, returning to work, or simply getting ready to tackle your resolutions, having the right tools can make all the difference. And this is where Inspiration can help! It’s designed to help you organise your thoughts, structure your ideas, and achieve your ambitions with clarity and focus.
This blog explores how Inspiration’s features, particularly the Outline View, can set you on the path to success.
Case Study: Inspiration - a pathway to success for students
12th December 2024
We caught up with Ewan Richards recently to get his thoughts on Inspiration. Ewan is an Assistive Technology Trainer at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, having graduated from the university himself a few years ago with an MSc in Software Engineering.
Ewan says the amazing software he used during his studies helped him get through his degree and Masters, and “It was the next step that I go on to work at the university as an AT Trainer helping other students get the support they need.”
Use AI Chatbots to create mind maps with Inspiration
28th November 2024
We are thrilled that we can keep bringing you updates to
the free Inspiration Maps Generator tool. Now, in addition
to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel documents, users can input content generated by AI chatbots to create Inspiration
mind maps. Great for nonlinear thinkers!
And we've created an on-demand webinar so you can see the tool in action and learn more about this exciting update.
Click here to learn more and watch our on-demand webinar
6 ways to use Inspiration in the Workplace
18th November 2024
Assistive technology, such as visual thinking and mind mapping software, can be hugely beneficial in the modern workplace. It can be the difference between individuals and businesses thriving or failing.
Mind mapping can provide freedom of thought, visual cues, and ultimately a better understanding of topics. It can turn a linear document into smaller chunks of information that are easier to review and grasp.
So, we’ve compiled a list of six all-important uses of Inspiration within the workplace:
Watch our Outlining demo video
13th November 2024
Inspiration's outline view is a fantastic tool for creating written documents that have a clear structure. It works as a word processor built for outlining techniques with a hierarchical layout, prefixes, and indentations. In this video we demonstrate how to get the best out of it!
The history and science behind mind mapping
16th September 2024
Have you ever wondered where the concept of mind mapping came from? The history of mind mapping can be traced back to the 3rd century, long before it really took off in the 1990s.
We've compiled a brief history alongside the science behind this visual thinking strategy.
Case Study: Using Inspiration in the workplace - ensures best practice and consistency
21st August 2024
Heather Human uses Inspiration in her role as Business Operations Manager at the University of Leicester to help create resilience, adopt best practices, and ensure team consistency.
She relies on Inspiration to build a cohesive team with confidence in their roles, and describes herself as “an unofficial ambassador of Inspiration!”
Case Study: Inspiration is a game changer for non-linear thinkers!
10th July 2024
With co-occurring diagnoses of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and ADHD, professional photographer Helen Lord describes herself as a non-linear thinker, and Inspiration as a game-changer.
Helen says Inspiration has literally changed her life, helping her to organise tasks and save time. She also says it has increased her confidence and helped with her anxiety.
Case Study: "I use Inspiration to prevent overwhelm."
24th June 2024
Stephanie Fincham-Campbell, who is completing a PhD at King’s College London, was introduced to Inspiration through the DSA a year ago and says it helps her to organise and compartmentalise information and prevent overwhelm.
She likes to use colour in her diagrams, as well as being able to collapse and expand sections as she needs.
Thanks to live and on-demand webinars, Stephanie uses Inspiration to its fullest to review the mountains of course literature and better understand her subject.
Exam Mode: empowering visual learners to excel
14th June 2024
Inspired by a conversation at Communication Works 2023, we are thrilled that the latest version of Inspiration now includes an Exam Mode to empower visual learners to excel in exam settings. Exam Mode is a brand-new toggle-on/off feature that will allow users to continue using Inspiration during high school, college, or university exams.
Inspiration Maps Generator updates are here!
23rd May 2024
In November 2023, we launched the FREE Inspiration Maps Generator tool to easily convert your Word and PowerPoint files into Inspiration diagrams and outlines, supporting those who like to think and learn visually.
And now we've increased its compatibility.
Mental Health Awareness Week
15th May 2024
It's Mental Health Awareness Week!
We are acutely more aware of our mental health nowadays, but it's still good to shine a light on what mental health means to everyone, what good and bad mental health look like, and to find ways of improving our mental health.
This year's theme is 'Moments for Movement'.
We've compiled some tips on how to get moving a bit more to boost mental health and some early signs to look out for.
Stress Awareness Month
20th April 2024
April is Stress Awareness Month. Stress is a feeling we
are all aware of, but what do we know about how it can
affect us and how we can manage it?
We've done some digging to find out more, like when
it can be a good thing, and provide some tips on how
you can manage stress.
Inspiration 11 is here!
17th April 2024
Inspiration 11 is here! Find out more and trial the updated version for free.
Inspiration 11 is coming...
8th April 2024
Inspiration 11 is nearly here! Coming April 17th, you can expect updates users have specifically asked us for, particularly those regarding the visuals in Inspiration.
Neurodiversity - the who, what, why & when!
21st March 2024
Take a look at our latest blog, and discover what neurodiversity means, where the term came from, and a little history behind 'Neurodiversity Celebration Week'.
Inspiration - Did you know?
13th March 2024
Read the top 5 facts you need to know about Inspiration, including - did you know that Inspiration has been around for 36 years?!
And, also Inspiration can be used as an offline tool for Windows, meaning users can rely on its security and data protection, plus use it on the move without 4G or Wi-Fi.
Case Study: University of Leicester
11th March 2024
Ursula Bilson is the Staff Disabilities Adviser for the University of Leicester and regularly promotes Inspiration for its positive impact on students.
Part of her role is advising the staff on what support is available, which includes software in their network. And this technology isn't just available for students, it's also there for the staff to use.
She says, "Inspiration is a really good tool for when you don't know where you're going with something, and you want to sketch out your initial ideas."
Let's talk about AI!
27th February 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) is developing at a super fast rate and is now affecting everyone’s lives daily, sometimes without us even realising. But what is it and how does it work? Simply put, AI is a technology that allows computers to solve problems in the way a human brain could.
And what does AI mean for education?
You can share your thoughts with us on our blog page.
How to get the most out of the Maps Generator tool!
24th January 2024
Want to know how to make sure your work will convert into an Inspiration file without a hitch, using our free new Maps Generator tool? Well, look no further! We've put together a document to explain how to format your Word and PowerPoint documents to ensure they all pull through effortlessly and perfectly.
However, it does rely on the document being formatted correctly in the first place, and you can find out how to with this handy guide.
How to make New Year resolutions that stick!
22nd January 2024
The decorations are down, the nights are long (and seriously lacking some festive twinkly lights), and Spring seems ages away! But, the New Year’s resolutions are freshly made and hopes are high. Fast forward to February though and most of us are struggling to stick to our new resolutions, despite the best intentions. For neurodiverse people making those January resolutions can be tougher still, exacerbated by the keenness to do it like everyone else. Plus, any shake-up to the normal routine can be harder to acknowledge, accept, and ultimately follow through.
Here's a few top tips for making resolutions this new year...
Have a very merry neuro-inclusive Christmas!
6th December 2023
Yes, the shops are full of mince pies and stocking fillers, and the Christmas tunes are on repeat; Christmas is nigh! Often considered the jolliest time of the year, December can be packed full of activities and expectations. And whilst this is all wonderful, this time of year can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety for neuro-divergent people.
NEW: Inspiration Maps Generator available now
24th November 2023
We are beyond thrilled to announce the launch of Inspiration Maps Generator: the free tool that allows you to take Word and PowerPoint documents and easily convert them into Inspiration diagrams. The new Inspiration Maps Generator is a simple 3-step offline tool (online version coming soon), that can be used by anyone.
Inspiration now featured on CBIT in Hand app
20th November 2023
We are privileged that Inspiration has been added to the CBIT in Hand app’s Marketplace as a recognised and trusted software that can support children with an acquired brain injury and their families. The CBIT In Hand Marketplace is an easy-to-access hub of useful and relevant UK products, suppliers, and services.
Launching Inspiration Dragon Edition
6th November 2023
We have been super excited to unveil Inspiration Dragon Edition; in fact, we could barely keep it a secret! But it is now available to buy online and get straight to your desktop, as well as through DSA and Access To Work. This means you can now use speech commands to create and edit visual diagrams and outlines effortlessly.
Tune into our first-ever podcast appearance
29th September 2023
A first for us! Tune in to hear our first-ever podcast appearance, out now. Our very own Reeza Awoodun, TechEdology CEO and founder, talks all things assistive technology and Inspiration with Josh Anderson from Easterseals. Catch what Reeza and Josh have to say here in the Assistive Technology Update.
Mind Mapping: The Right Way!
22nd August 2023
Think you know how to mind map? Think again!
Mind mapping is a force to be reckoned with, and if used correctly it can have a gloriously positive effect on your academic achievement, attitude, and memory retention. But used poorly, it can cost you a load of time and energy you don’t have!
Creatives vs Linear Thinkers: A Solution for All
31st July 2023
So, consider this: you’re a creative person and your boss just doesn’t think that way. You want to work more visually and creatively, but your boss prefers a more linear format that works better for them. What can you do here?
Visual mapping can be brilliant in these instances, and this is where Inspiration really comes into its own.
What is Anxiety?
27th June 2023
Anxiety is a word we hear a lot these days, and in the UK, it is among the most common mental health disorders. In fact, a little over 1 in 10 of us will be living with an anxiety disorder at any one time, that’s over 8 million Brits, and less than half of these people will access help or treatment.
And with the impact that Covid-19 has had on the mental health of so many in recent years, we thought it was time we took a look at it.
What is ADHD?
26th May 2023
You may have heard it called ADHD or ADD but what attention deficit hyperactivity disorder actually looks like can vary from person to person.
And it is estimated that in the UK around 5% of children and 4% of adults have ADHD; this equates to about 2.6 million people in Britain.
We decided to find out a little bit more about ADHD, including the celebrities who claim it is their reason for success and look at some real positive attributes.
What is Autism?
25th April 2023
It is estimated that 1-2% of the population in the UK are on the autism spectrum; that’s more than 1 in every 100 people, which is roughly 700,000 diagnosed adults and children, and if you include their families too, autism is part of daily life for around 2.8 million Brits.
So, what is autism? Well, first of all let's look at what autism isn't (and get the negatives out of the way)...
Case Study: There is no alternative to Inspiration!
21st April 2023
Nick Critelli uses Inspiration daily to help in his law practice. He has been working for 50 years as an American trial lawyer in Iowa and New York and as an English barrister with chambers in London, too.
Nick's job is to make complex issues of law and fact understandable to clients, courts and juries, and his number one tool is Inspiration. He says it helps him organise chaos and create roadmaps to resolution for his colleagues and clients. For him "there really is no alternative!"
What is Dyslexia?
14th March 2023
There has been a lot of talk about dyslexia over the last year in the media and in parliament, but there are still so many people out there who don’t really know what it is or what it actually means. And, it is estimated that about 10% of the population in the UK, and in fact the world, has some degree of dyslexia; that’s 1 in 10 people or globally 780 million people, diagnosed and undiagnosed.
Recommend Inspiration and earn with our Affiliate Programme!
1st March 2023
We have partnered with Impact to provide you with a market-leading affiliate platform to promote and earn sales from Inspiration 10...
Autism & Dyslexia: there are no barriers with Inspiration!
14th February 2023
"I can do anything now. I feel that there are no barriers!"
Tracy Scott, who has autism and severe dyslexia, was introduced to Inspiration later in life to help with her Open University studies. After struggling through her high school years, Tracy gained two degrees, and now turns to Inspiration regularly to help with work projects and home-life organisation.
Inspiration - now available on Windows 11 SE
2nd February 2023
What a great way to kick off 2023! We are super excited to announce that Inspiration 10 is the FIRST visual mapping tool to be approved by Microsoft for Windows 11 SE for Education devices.
Windows 11 SE is an edition of Windows that's designed for education. It runs on web-first devices that use essential education apps.
Creating the Perfect Presentation
10th January 2023
Having to present in front of others can be a daunting prospect, preceded by actually creating the presentation, ensuring your ideas are conveyed clearly and making sure it is engaging for the audience.
Making a start on that presentation can feel like an uphill battle. But it needn’t…
Support the Student Journey
21st November 2022
Life for a student hasn’t got any easier over the years; we understand the struggle to juggle multiple subjects and modules, take coherent notes in class, fact find, gather research, write essays, revise, and create presentations and we also know that it can be overwhelming to tackle all of these. Starting from scratch with a piece of coursework can be daunting and knowing where to start can literally stop you in your tracks.
Create the Ultimate Set of Notes
21st September 2022
Visual mapping is a great way for note taking, even for the most complex of concepts. The very process of creating a mind map or concept map helps us to understand the topic better. And most importantly the final piece helps us to recall it. However, traditional text note taking also has great benefits. Here we explore each technique and how to combine the two to create the ultimate set of notes.
Flexibility and Visual Thinking
8th August 2022
Both flexible and structured environments are important tools for mind mapping. Some users naturally prefer to start from scratch, others from a template which they customise later. How important is flexibility in mind mapping and what part does it play in visual thinking?
How to ease cognitive load with outlining and mind mapping
25th July 2022
Outlining an essay or an extended piece of writing is an effective exercise that keeps writing concise and progressive. The conjunction of visual thinking such as mind mapping, with outlining is a clear and effective way to plan essays. Inspiration 10’s separate views facilitate clear and detailed thinking necessary to write great essays.
Inspiration 10 Needs Recommendation Guide
21st June 2022
This needs recommendation guide outlines how Inspiration addresses different user needs. It can be used by DSA Needs Assessors, as well as others working in disability and education, to assist in your roles and clarify how Inspiration 10 can help users.
Recommend Inspiration 10
When to Recommend a Visual Mapping Solution
14th June 2022
We asked Chris Collier, DSA Assessor, about when a visual mapping solution is recommended in a DSA assessment, the barriers to learning that visual mapping can address and how it helps users overcome them.
Inspiration 10 wins Education Resource Awards 2022
25th May 2022
Inspiration 10 wins the Education Resource Awards for the Special Education Resource or Equipment category, for its innovative approach to helping pupils think more creatively.
The Ultimate Guide to Visual Thinking
3rd May 2022
Check out our complete guide to visual thinking and learn the most effective way to map out your desired topic.
One-Size-Fits-All Teaching: The Challenges and Impact on Student Mental Wellbeing
29th April 2022
John Hicks highlights the challenges and barriers to inclusion created by generalized teaching practices in mainstream education - and how visual thinking can help.
Returning to Education: Overcoming Dyslexia and Other Barriers as a Mature Student
6th April 2022
When Ria returned to university to study Psychology, Inspiration 10 was her go-to study tool: certain it has boosted her productivity and overall grades while studying remotely.
Understanding How Visual Thinking Strategies Support Dyslexic Learning
2nd March 2022
John Hicks explores the ways in which different visual thinking strategies enhance dyslexic learning and creativity...
The Latest Update to Inspiration is Here!
7th February 2022
We are proud to announce that the latest version of Inspiration 10 (version 10.11) is now live. Read about all its newest features and how to use them...
Click to learn all about the latest update to Inspiration 10 here
The Easiest Way to Start Essay Writing
22nd December 2021
The blank page is waiting...
But where do you begin?
Untangle the Christmas Lights in Inspiration 10 or Inspiration RD
15th December 2021
Check out some of the best submissions to our Inspiration Christmas Lights game and then download it to see if you can solve the puzzle.
Play the game here
How a simple change in writing coursework can help to boost engagement and productivity for dyslexic students - by John Hicks
7th December 2021
John discusses how he used concept mapping to engage dyslexic students with writing coursework.
Inspiration 10.1 is here!
1st November 2021
We are excited to confirm that you can now access the latest Inspiration 10.1 updates. Keep reading to find out everything that is new and how users can update. This is a free update for existing Inspiration 10 and Inspiration RD users.
Inspiration 10: New Updates
5th October 2021
Calling all Inspiration 10 and Inspiration RD users! There is an exciting update coming to you November 1st. Here is what you can expect from Inspiration 10.1...
Working with Brain Injuries and Autism: an SEN Advisor's View
14th September 2021
Check out this case study to find out why Helen advocates for Inspiration 10 to be used from primary school age through to higher education, particularly to assist children with challenges in education.
How to Make a Concept Map
23rd August 2021
Watch this short video to learn everything you need to know about concept maps, including our simple 4-step guide to making your own concept map.
Recovering a stroke: "I've embedded Inspiration into everything I do"
12th August 2021
After suffering a stroke, Simon struggled with memory and cognitive issues when he returned to education. With the recommendation of another student, Simon decided to try Inspiration. Now, Simon integrates Inspiration into every part of his life, which he details here.
"My panic attacks went away with Inspiration"
19th May 2021
Shannon uses Inspiration to cope with her panic anxiety disorder, ADHD and dyslexia, while studying for her acupuncture qualification. Read more and watch the video, where Shannon showcases how neuro-differences are a gift when paired with the best assistive technology.
Inspiration 10: using mind-mapping for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
22nd April 2021
Sharon was recommended Inspiration to help with her Dyslexia, and now uses the software for her studies in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Here Sharon talks about how Inspiration has helped her structure and organise her learning, as well as the innovative ways she uses the software to assist in her CBT client meetings.
How to Use Concept Mapping to Nurture Deeper Learning - by Shaun Killian
26th November 2020
Introducing concept mapping into the classroom is a proven way to enhance learning and deepen understanding, and is a technique that is easily applied to different stages of teaching. Here we will look at the positive impact it has and how to include concept mapping in classroom learning.
Inspiration 10 and Dragon Naturally Speaking
22nd October 2020
Find out how to use Inspiration 10 for Windows and Dragon Naturally Speaking together. Watch the video to learn how the tools can easily be used in conjunction with one another, then use the keyboard shortcut guide to put it into practice.
Inspiration 10 has arrived!
1st September 2020
Inspiration 10 for Windows is here! In the latest version of Inspiration, you can expect to see exciting new features and enhancements to the software. There is also a mountain of resources available to ensure you get the most out of Inspiration 10.
What is New in Inspiration 10
4th August 2020
We are super excited about the launch of Inspiration 10, due for release on the 1st September. As well as many enhancements to the software, we have introduced some brand new features into this latest version. Here is a short summary of what new features to expect in Inspiration 10.
Mapping Ideas and Supporting Learning - by John Galloway, SEND Advisory Teacher, writer and trainer
6th June 2020
Brainstorming is something I’m sure we’ve all done, as I did to plan this article. It involves getting out of our heads the ideas and information we know about a subject so that we can sort it out and organise it into a coherent structure. It is a process rather than an end in itself and can lead to several different outcomes. In my case a ‘Thought Web,’ a visual means of connecting the things I wanted to include before ordering them into a narrative thread.
The Theory of Concept Mapping
6th May 2020
Concept mapping is a powerful visual thinking technique, commonly used in education, scientific study, engineering and in business. It is great for mapping out knowledge and communicating complex ideas. In this article, we will explore what a concept map is, the benefits of its use and how you can create them in Inspiration 9.
Minimising The Noise In My Head - Student Video Case Study
19th March 2020
Kylie Nicole, an undergraduate studying Criminology and Psychology at the Open University describes in this video blog how Inspiration 9 helps her to get her ideas down and begin the writing process.
The Power of Link Phrases - Deepening Understanding, Supporting Writing & Revision
25th Feb 2020
Link phrases are commonly associated with concept maps. A concept map illustrates the relationships between concepts. We like to think of it as mapping out knowledge. For example it is a graphical tool that researchers, scientists and engineers can use to organise and structure information. For students it helps them to organise and represent their knowledge of a subject.
Creating a timeline with Inspiration 9
31st Jan 2020
Find out how you can quickly create a timeline in Inspiration 9 to use in your reports, essays and presentations.
Inspiration 9 IE for Windows: now part of TechEd Marketing
27th Dec 2019
TechEd Marketing are delighted to announce that, having licensed the publishing rights from the software's creators, Inspiration 9 IE for Windows is now part of TechEd Marketing. A global product with millions of users worldwide, TechEd Marketing will be developing, publishing and selling Inspiration 9 into regions across the globe.
Read more
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