Lucidchart

In this review, I will take a look at the content creation tool, LucidChart (lucidchart.com ). Lucidchart was launched in December of 2008 as a web-based diagramming tool that allows for real-time collaboration on a wide variety of graphic based files. This tool can be used to create printable and shareable diagrams such as flowcharts, graphic organizers, and mindmaps. It also has a large library of templates that can save time when creating custom diagrams. Lucidchart is similar to other diagramming tools such as Draw.io, Gliffy Diagram, and Cacoo. Files created with this tool can even be exported as a VDX file that can be used with a similar diagramming tool, Microsoft Visio. In addition to the diagramming capabilities, Lucidchart files can also be formatted in such a way as to use it as a presentation tool. The tool is reasonably priced with a variety of monthly subscriptions paid on an annual basis. For individuals, there is a free version that offers limited functionality and a pro version that includes access to all program functions for $9.95 a month or $95.40 annually. For business, subscriptions start at $27.00 for 3 users with the option of adding more users for $9.00 a month per user.

Lucidchart has an interface that is similar to other graphics-based programs but is streamlined in many ways for showing relationships between elements. There are many shapes included in the library that can be customized by color and weight to help organize complex information. Lines that show the relationship between different elements are easily created by dragging on special connector handles from one element to another. Text can be added to any shape, line, or space easily by double clicking on the element. In addition, files can be shared with others easily for collaborative purposes. This tool can be used for instructional or collaborative situations where job aids, graphic organizers, workflows, burndown charts, etc. are useful to accomplish a task. All diagrams can be exported in a variety of printable formats including PDF, JPG, and PNG. This makes the program very useful for creating worksheets and graphic organizers for traditional instructional settings. In addition, because this is an entirely web-based program that also offers a mobile app and real time collaboration, this is an ideal platform for working on graphic files with multiple users in real time.

I have used Lucidchart for about 3 years now. Initially, I used it to create printable graphic organizers for my middle-school students. I have included an example of a pre-writing mindmap (Fig 1) for my 6th grade students who were assigned with writing a biography essay. For some of my students with writing difficulties, it helps them to fill out this type of graphic organizer with simple phrases before moving on to an outline. More recently, I have been using Lucidchart to collaborate on projects I am completing as part of my M.Ed in Instructional Design and Technology. Most of the collaboration on the projects occurs asynchronously and at a distance which was a factor in choosing Lucidchart. I have included an example of a flowchart that I created to design a branching scenario sequence (Fig 2). I shared this file with my group members so that we could collaborate in real time to create the content and structure of a scenario for use with Articulate Rise 360 platform. In addition, I used this platform to collaborate on another group project where we had to create a Task Analysis for a design document (Fig 3). The group was able to view the file, edit content and make comments on individual elements. In my experience I have found this tool extremely useful and I highly recommend it for both collaborative and content creation purposes.

Fig 1: Pre-writing Mindmap

Fig 2: Branching Scenario Template

Fig 3: Task Analysis Collaboration