Inspiration

What does it do?

Inspiration allows you to create a picture of your ideas and concepts in the form of a diagram or mind map and then, with a click of the mouse, export this into an organised outline Microsoft Word document. Inspiration can be of particular benefit to people who prefer to think visually, for example people with dyslexia, dyspraxia or dyscalculia. By presenting information graphically, it can increase both creativity and retention.

Inspiration offers three views in which to work:

• Diagram View: to create a diagram that shows the relationship between ideas or concepts
• Map View: to create a mind map, building branches of associated topics around a central idea
• Outline View: to create an outline of your ideas or to organise and write a report

Brief user guides on how to create an Inspiration diagram or mind map, along with further information about creating Notes and using the Inspiration Symbols palette are available from the Quick links.

Where can I access Inspiration?

Inspiration is available on all PCs (running the CiCS Managed Desktop) within the Information Commons and the Library. For further information, including how Departments can buy the software for their staff using unmanaged PCs, please visit the CiCS website.

How do I access Inspiration?

Click on the Start button on the PC desktop and look in All Programs to check if Inspiration is already listed.  If it is, it means that it has already been installed.

If it has already been installed:

Click on Inspiration in the list and then on the subfolder Inspiration 8 which appears.  The software will then open.

If it has not already been installed:

• Click on the Start button and select Software Center.  Alternatively, click on the Software Center icon on the desktop.
• After a while, a list of available software will appear.  This can take as long as 10 minutes. In the meantime you may see the message, "No items found."
• When the list appears, scroll down to Inspiration or type Inspiration in the Search box at the top right of the screen.  If Inspiration is still not displaying, press the F5 key to refresh.
• Click on Inspiration to select it.
• Install Inspiration by clicking on the Install button at the bottom right of the screen.  The status column shows you the progress of the download.
• When installation is complete, minimise or close down the Software Center box and click on: Start - All Programs - Inspiration - Inspiration 8

Further information and comments

If you would like further information or wish to comment on any aspect of the service, please contact us by:

• Email: lib-support@sheffield.ac.uk
• Telephone: (0114) 222-7294
• Visiting the Information Commons
• Post: The Diversity Manager, Information Commons, University of Sheffield, 44 Leavygreave Road, Sheffield, S3 7RD
• The feedback form