# Best Idea Management Software - 2026 Reviews & Pricing > Find the best Idea Management Software for your organization. Compare top Idea Management Software systems with customer reviews, pricing, and free demos. Source: https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management --- [Home](https://www.softwareadvice.com/) / Idea Management Software Software Advice offers objective insights based on verified user reviews and independent product and market research. When our advisors match you to a software provider, we may earn a referral fee. # Best Idea Management Software of 2026 Updated June 18, 2026 On this page 1. FrontRunners 2. Popular Comparisons 3. Buyers Guide 4. Related Software Filter products 157 results ### Compare Products Showing 1 - 25 of 157 products #### Company Size - Self-Employed - 2-10 - 11-50 - 51-200 - 201-500 - 501-1000 - 1000+ #### Pricing Options - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ - $$$$$ ### Compare Products Sort by **Sponsored**: Sorts listings by software vendors running active bidding campaigns, from the highest to lowest bid. Vendors who have paid for placement have a ‘Visit Website’ button, whereas unpaid vendors have a ‘Learn More’ button. **Reviews**: Sorts listings by the number of user reviews we have published, greatest to least. **Average Rating**: Sorts listings by overall star rating based on user reviews, highest to lowest. **Alphabetically (A-Z)**: Sorts listings by product name from A to Z. 4.72 [(561)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/reviews/) Best for:Small businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Aha! is a product development software designed to support teams in managing the entire product lifecycle. It is used by roles such as product management, engineering, marketing, UX, and IT to align strategies and oversee processes from discovery to delivery. The software includes tools for creating visual roadmaps, prioritizing features, conducting customer interviews, collecting and tracking feedback, and exploring concepts with whiteboarding capabilities. It also facilitates the development of internal business applications and centralizes product information in knowledge bases. The platform connects product and engineering teams and supports project delivery. Aha! incorporates enterprise-grade security with ISO 27001 certification to safeguard product data. It is designed to improve planning efficiency, streamline status tracking and reporting, align teams on strategy, and consolidate tools into one platform. It enables teams to manage extensive product features and customer ideas while maintaining visibility throughout the development process.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/) ### Best rated features: Modeling & Simulation 5.0 Lifecycle Management 5.0 Whiteboard 5.0 Project Time Tracking 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/#key-features) ### Aha! Roadmaps $59.00/month ### Aha! Discovery $39.00/month ### Aha! Ideas $39.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/#pricing-and-plans) 4.66 [(384)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mind-mapping/lucidspark-profile/reviews/) Best for:Enterprise businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Lucidspark is a cloud-based software designed to help businesses of all sizes record and share ideas, discuss projects and organize information on a virtual white-board. The platform enables organizations to capture suggestions and team insights using color coded cursors, sticky notes, freehand drawings, shapes, and lines on a unified portal. Lucidspark includes visual workspaces, which allow teams to share plans, add comments, provide feedback and communicate with members using chat and emojis. It offers various features such as collaboration management, tagging, assisted grouping, Single sign-on (SSO) authentication, customizable templates, secure data storage, and more. Additionally, project managers can share meeting agendas, assign and track tasks and run polls to get votes on ideas. Lucidspark supports integration with various third-party applications including Slack, Google Drive and Zoom. It is available for free and on monthly subscriptions. Support is extended via phone, FAQs and other online measures.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mind-mapping/lucidspark-profile/) ### What users love - Intuitive experience for all users - Clean and visual collaboration design - Efficient process mapping capabilities ### To take in mind - Expensive for many users ### Best rated features: Real-Time Updates 5.0 Activity Dashboard 5.0 Real-Time Chat 5.0 Dashboard 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Live Chat 1.0 Meeting Management 2.0 Time & Expense Tracking 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mind-mapping/lucidspark-profile/#key-features) ### Free Custom Pricing available upon request Includes 1 limited license ### Individual $7.95/month Includes 1 individual license ### Team $9.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mind-mapping/lucidspark-profile/#pricing-and-plans) 4.82 [(71)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/457232-HYPE-Innovation/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary HYPE Innovation is an AI-powered innovation management platform designed to connect strategy, ideation, and execution. It is used by organizations across industries such as manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and technology to align innovation efforts with business goals, manage idea generation, track technology trends, and coordinate partnerships with external innovators. The platform includes integrated modules for various aspects of innovation management. The Ideation module supports idea generation and evaluation through targeted campaigns. The Trends & Technologies module enables teams to monitor and analyze market developments. The Partnering module helps organizations identify and collaborate with universities, startups, and corporate partners. Additional features include the Projects module for tracking and validating innovation portfolios, the Boards module for managing agile workflows, and Extend, a low-code tool for customizing business processes. Real-time analytics and reporting tools allow organizations to measure innovation outcomes. The platform is built on ISO 56000 standards. HYPE Innovation supports approaches such as open innovation, continuous improvement, employee engagement programs, and technology scouting. It provides structured workflows for initiatives such as hackathons, co-innovation programs, and challenge-driven campaigns. The system has processed a large volume of ideas and facilitated engagement across a wide range of participants globally.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/457232-HYPE-Innovation/) ### Best rated features: Prioritization 5.0 Idea Ranking 5.0 Data Security 5.0 Ideation 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Single Sign On 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/457232-HYPE-Innovation/#key-features) [Padlet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/) 4.86 [(293)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/reviews/) Best for:Ease of use ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Dostoevsky said that beauty will save the world. Padlet offers beautiful boards and canvases for visual thinkers and learners. Use boards to collect, organize, and present anything. Use sandboxes for whiteboarding, lessons, and activities. Over 40 million people every month actively use Padlet around the world. Here are some of the ways they use it: -Work on files with clients -Host instructional videos -Distribute marketing assets -Track real-estate listings on a map -Develop interactive lessons -Create collaborative worksheets -Generate slideshows -Plan meeting agendas -Gather feedback -Brainstorm ideas -And more Dostoevsky would have loved Padlet.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/) ### Best rated features: Project Planning 5.0 Third-Party Integrations 5.0 Task Progress Tracking 5.0 Diagramming 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/#key-features) ### Free Custom Pricing available upon request Membership for one. Pay monthly or annually. Change or cancel anytime. ### Gold $6.99/month Membership for one. Pay monthly or annually. Change or cancel anytime. ### Platinum $9.99/month Membership for one. Pay monthly or annually. Change or cancel anytime. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [MeisterTask](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/meistertask-profile/) 4.71 [(1157)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/meistertask-profile/reviews/) Best for:Enterprise businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary MeisterTask is a web-based task, project, and work management software perfect for teams of any size. Its easy-to-use interface, intuitive functionality, built-in project documentation, and seamless integration with other business tools make it the ideal choice for teams that want to get more done together. It enables seamless team collaboration with unlimited project members on all plans and advanced permission controls on paid plans. With MeisterTask, you can notify team members of all changes and track every detail of every project in real-time. It helps your team save time and increase efficiency with powerful AI search and writing assistants and automation features. MeisterTask is an ISO 27001 and Trusted Cloud certified service and complies with the strictest privacy and data security standards.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/meistertask-profile/) ### What users love - Robust task tracking features - Flexible project organization tools - User-friendly and intuitive design ### To take in mind - Limited dashboard customization options - Bulky and restrictive interface ### Best rated features: File Management 5.0 KPI Monitoring 5.0 Discussions/Forums 5.0 Content Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Request Management 3.0 Document Management 3.5 Brainstorming 3.6 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/meistertask-profile/#key-features) ### Basic €0.00/month For individuals who wish to begin managing their daily tasks. Free forever, no credit card needed. ### Pro €13.50/month Simple, collaborative task management for smaller teams. ### Business €24.00/month Designed for bigger teams with extended collaboration features. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/meistertask-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Figma](https://www.softwareadvice.com/graphic-design/figma-profile/) 4.72 [(866)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/graphic-design/figma-profile/reviews/) Best for:Features ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Figma is a cloud-based design tool, which helps businesses create, test, and deliver product designs in a collaborative manner. Features include version history, team libraries, audio conversations, content management, overlays, on-canvas commenting, and automated provisioning. Figma’s pen tool enables professionals to draw in any direction with vector networks and generate arc designs. Team members can pin files for quick access, track project contributors, add notes for context, and perform collaboratively in real-time. The application helps users build prototypes, define interactions, and create design transitions. Figma offers integration with various third-party applications such as Maze, Zeplin, Pendo, Confluence and more. It comes with mobile applications for iOS and Android. The solution is available on monthly subscriptions and support is extended via documentation.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/graphic-design/figma-profile/) ### What users love - Versatile and intuitive design tools - Real-time teamwork and feedback - Efficient interactive prototyping features ### To take in mind - Limited onboarding and admin controls - Lag with large or complex files - Export and import limitations ### Best rated features: Digital Canvas 5.0 Dashboard 5.0 Meeting Management 5.0 File Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Agile Methodologies 2.0 Resource Management 3.0 Animation 3.4 CAD Tools 3.7 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/graphic-design/figma-profile/#key-features) [Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/) 4.69 [(1689)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/reviews/) Best for:Mid-size businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Miro is a visual workspace for innovation that enables distributed teams of any size to dream, design, and build the future together. Miro enables distributed teams to come together to synthesize information, clarify complex ideas, and make decisions faster. On a Miro Board, teams develop strategy, design products and services, and manage complex workflows all throughout the innovation lifecycle. When you look at a Miro Board, you can see hundreds of collaborators moving through the space as named cursors on the screen designing, contributing ideas, providing feedback, and co-creating together with shared tools and information. Miro includes a full suite of capabilities designed for innovation including diagramming, real-time data visualization, workshop facilitation, and built-in support for common product development processes, including agile practices like estimation and retrospectives. Miro AI extends Miro's capabilities, with AI-driven mapping and diagramming, clustering and summarization, and content generation. Today, more than 100 million users in 180,000 organizations, including Nike, Ikea, Deloitte, WPP, and Cisco, depend on Miro to improve product development collaboration, to speed time to market, and to make sure that new products and services deliver on customer needs.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/) ### What users love - Real-time teamwork across teams - Intuitive and accessible interface - Dynamic visual idea generation ### To take in mind - Performance drops on large boards - Limited free plan and costly upgrades - Clunky and confusing controls ### Best rated features: Activity Dashboard 5.0 Task Tagging 5.0 For Websites 5.0 Notes Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Risk Management 2.9 Screen Capture 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/#key-features) ### Free Custom Pricing available upon request Unlimited Members ### Starter $10.00/month ### Business $20.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Ideanote](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/) 4.87 [(140)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/reviews/) Best for:Value for money ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Ideanote is the world's #1 Innovation-Led Growth Platform for businesses of all sizes. Combining feature rich enterprise idea management with a hint of playful simplicity. Ideanote is a new, more efficient and effective way of bringing ideas to life for employees and customers. With Ideanote, you can launch goal-driven idea collections in seconds, engage more of the right people, manage ideas from start to finish, measure your impact from day one and save time by automating repetitive innovation workflows. What is Innovation Management? Mastering innovation means mastering chaos. You need powerful processes to bring ideas to life - from capturing remarkable ideas to implementing solutions that shape the future of your business. Innovation management with Ideanote is your easy way to funnel all the ideas around you - into a pipeline of potent projects that support your strategy, today and tomorrow. Be ready for change, innovate today You are not looking for ideas about better coffee at the office, you are looking for trailblazer ideas. Ideanote lets your launch goal-driven missions, so you can start innovating on the challenges that matter. As ideas enter Ideanote, they travel through a proven system of phases. So you can be sure all ideas receive constructive feedback before they’re rated, prioritized and finally implemented. Capture ideas from anyone, anywhere to let your innovation journey begin. Build an effortless workflow Do you keep customer ideas in one place and employee ideas in another? Do you track their progress manually? Do you have to push for engagement? That sounds like a lot of work. To us, effortless means automated, fast and intuitive. Getting your Ideanote space ready takes less than 3 minutes. Ideanote brings structure to the innovation process and feedback to your ideators. And yes, you can customize everything. In other words, we’ve gone out of our way so you have more time to take ideas to action. Stock your innovation pipeline Mastering innovation means mastering chaos. You need powerful processes to bring ideas to life - from capturing remarkable ideas to implementing solutions that shape the future of your business. Innovation management with Ideanote is your easy way to funnel all the ideas around you - into a pipeline of potent projects that support your strategy, today and tomorrow. Ensure repeatable ROI You can’t manage what you can’t measure. It’s essential to monitor how ideas and innovation progress towards implementation and measure their impact on your bottom line. With Ideanote you have true end-to-end innovation management ready for enterprise needs. Scalable, repeatable and easy enough to implement without additional training.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/) ### Best rated features: Gamification 5.0 Real-Time Analytics 5.0 Search/Filter 5.0 Brainstorming 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Mind Maps 2.0 Activity/News Feed 2.0 Idea Ranking 3.0 Status Tracking 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/#key-features) ### Free $0.00 For an easy way to try Ideanote 100 Ideas 5 Idea Collections 1 Team 1 Admin 25 Automation Runs / Month 25 AI Credits / Month... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Scale $6.00/month For collaboration across teams Unlimited Ideas 25 Idea Collections 10 Teams 10 Admins 1.000 Automation Runs / Month 1.000 AI Credits / Month + Remove Ideanote Branding + Custom Domain + Priority Support... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Ultimate $899.00/month For org-wide control and support Volume Pricing for Users Unlimited Ideas, Idea Collections, Automations and AI + Audit Log + Advanced Security Controls + 99.9% Uptime SLA + Single Sign-On (SSO) + SCIM and Directory Sync + Data Residency Options + Dedicated Onboarding + Support via Video Calls... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideanote-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [ClickUp](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/) 4.63 [(4593)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/reviews/) Best for:Ease of use ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary ClickUp is a productivity platform designed to unify work tools within a single workspace. It supports various teams and industries, including marketing, product development, engineering, IT, HR, and leadership, by helping organizations streamline workflows and reduce reliance on multiple applications. The platform includes features such as tasks, sprints, Gantt charts, and kanban boards for project management. It incorporates AI-based tools, including ClickUp Brain and AI super agents, which assist with task delegation, event updates, and document creation. Collaboration tools include built-in docs, wikis, whiteboards, chat functionality, and time tracking. ClickUp offers security measures such as SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance. It provides customization options through custom fields, statuses, and templates to align with specific workflows. The platform is compatible with iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Chrome, allowing teams to maintain productivity across devices and operating systems.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/) ### What users love - Versatile project planning platform - Flexible team coordination tools - Customizable task organization options ### To take in mind - Lag and slow load times - Steep learning curve for newcomers - Overwhelming and noisy alerts ### Best rated features: Guest Access 5.0 Knowledge Management 5.0 Campaign Management 5.0 Bug Tracking 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Issue Auditing 2.0 Negative Feedback Management 3.0 Lead Generation 3.0 Overtime Calculation 3.4 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/#key-features) [Cacoo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/wireframe/cacoo-profile/) 4.72 [(178)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/wireframe/cacoo-profile/reviews/) Best for:Value for money ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Cacoo is an idea management software that helps businesses create wireframes and share work schedules with staff members. The platform enables managers to create layouts, mind maps, organizational charts, unified modeling language (UML) diagrams and more on a unified interface. Administrators can collaborate with team members via video calls and chat functionality on various plans. Additionally, Cacoo allows supervisors to add comments and provide feedback on diagrams. Cacoo lets businesses integrate the system with several third-party applications including Box, Confluence, Google Docs, Microsoft Teams and Slack.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/wireframe/cacoo-profile/) ### Best rated features: File Sharing 5.0 Real-Time Updates 5.0 Real-Time Notifications 5.0 Team Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Feedback Management 2.5 Alerts/Notifications 3.0 Projections 3.0 Visual Workflow Management 3.6 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/wireframe/cacoo-profile/#key-features) ### Pro $6.00/month Up to 1 user ### Team $6.00/month Up to 1,000 users ### Enterprise Custom Pricing available upon request Up to 2,000 users [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/wireframe/cacoo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Mindomo](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/) 4.81 [(69)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Mindomo is an idea management software, which helps K-12, universities and NGOs create mind maps and collaborate with team members in real-time to exchange opinions. It lets managers create and assign tasks to team members, instantly update project plans and automatically reschedule dependent tasks. The solution offers a hashtag functionality, which enables teams to filter and highlight certain ideas to strategically present business plans. Businesses can utilize Mindomo to share editable folders or files with multiple departments, setup and analyze project goals and record minutes of meetings. Additionally, professionals can track and monitor the progress of projects in gantt charts. Mindomo offers an application programming interface (API), which lets businesses integrate the system with several third-party applications such as G-Suite, Dropbox, Evernote, Google Classroom, Canvas, Blackboard and more. Pricing is available for free and on monthly subscriptions and support is extended via FAQs, knowledgebase, video tutorials, phone, email and other online measures.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/) ### Best rated features: Presentation Tools 5.0 Drag & Drop 5.0 Real-Time Data 5.0 Assignment Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Templates 1.0 Data Visualization 3.0 Project Tracking 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/#key-features) ### Premium €72.00/year Ideal for full creative freedom What's included: ✓ Cloud + Mobile + Desktop ✓ Unlimited diagrams ✓ 50 AI credits/month ✓ File and multimedia attachments ✓ Printing ✓ 10 export formats ✓ 14 import formats ✓ Microsoft Teams integration ✓ API access 💡 All prices exclusive of applicable local taxes... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Professional €162.00/year Use premium features with clients, no extra cost What's included: ✓ starting from 1 user + 5 guests / month ✓ Cloud + Mobile + Desktop ✓ All PREMIUM plan features ✓ Guest editing ✓ Premium sharing ✓ Gantt Charts ✓ 20 export formats ✓ Business templates and MORE 💡All prices exclusive of applicable local taxes... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### Team €216.00/year Great for working together in small teams What's included: ✓ minimum 3 users ✓ Cloud + Mobile + Desktop ✓ All PREMIUM plan features ✓ User management ✓ Task management for Teams ✓ Sync with external calendars ✓ Gantt Charts ✓ Shared folders ✓ 20 export formats ✓ Microsoft Teams integration ✓ API access and MORE 💡All prices exclusive of applicable local taxes... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/mindomo-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Bordio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/) 4.96 [(48)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Bordio is a new project management solution designed to optimize team productivity and streamline project workflows. Here you can create projects, schedule tasks, and collaborate with team members and external partners. The unique feature of Bordio is a waiting list, where you can write down your future tasks, which cannot be scheduled yet in the calendar. Schedule meetings right in the app without the need for external tools, and use Google Calendar integration to manage all your events in one place. Moreover, Bordio excels in workload management by providing accurate time estimates for both tasks and meetings, enabling teams to gauge their workload realistically and plan accordingly. The platform supports setting recurring tasks and events, simplifying routine work and enhancing overall productivity. Bordio's advanced features, such as direct file uploads to tasks and events and a dedicated notes tool for each project, eliminate the need for separate cloud storage and note-taking apps. The mobile app further empowers users to manage their work on the go, maintaining control and coordination with their team from anywhere in the world.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/) ### Best rated features: Content Management 5.0 Issue Tracking 5.0 Status Tracking 5.0 Reminders 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Traditional Methodologies 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $5.99/month This plan is best for teams and organizations [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [monday.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/) 4.57 [(6060)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/reviews/) Best for:Mid-size businesses ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary monday.com is a work and project management platform that helps teams of all sizes plan, prioritize, manage, and execute work effectively. The platform offers solutions for a wide range of use-cases such as marketing, sales, operations, IT, HR, and more. It’s no-code/low-code, fully customizable, and has ready-made templates to help every type of user quickly get started. The visual and intuitive interface creates a collaborative environment where team members can assign tasks, create project plans, set dependencies and due dates, communicate in real-time, share files, and more. monday.com offers a variety of productivity features designed to simplify workflows, improve cross-team collaboration, and optimize time-and resource management. No-code automations eliminate repetitive tasks, integrations centralize every app and tool in one place, and advanced reporting helps users make data-driven decisions. Multiple view options such as Gantt charts and Kanban let teams navigate projects from start to finish, and visual dashboards help managers track progress, timelines, and budgets at a glance. The platform is ideal for managing everything from simple to complex projects or workflows and is equally suitable for in-house teams and remote workers. monday.com integrates with commonly used apps and tools such as MS Outlook, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Excel, Gmail, Google Drive, and Dropbox. So users can continue working with any software they already know, within the platform. In addition to the standard platform, monday.com also offers dedicated solutions designed to answer the needs of specific industries and use-cases, such as monday work management, monday marketer, monday sales CRM, monday dev, and monday projects.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/) ### What users love - Centralized teamwork and visibility - Intuitive setup and navigation - Robust and visual task tracking ### To take in mind - Expensive for growing teams - Complex and cluttered board management - Overwhelming and noisy alerts ### Best rated features: Order Entry 5.0 Visual Workflow Management 5.0 Segmentation 5.0 Idle Time Monitoring 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/#key-features) ### Free Custom Pricing available upon request Up to 2 seats ### Basic $9.00/month Minimum 3 seats, billed annually. ### Standard $12.00/month Minimum 3 seats, billed annually. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Nolt](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/nolt-profile/) 4.91 [(45)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/nolt-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Nolt is a cloud-based feedback solution for businesses and creators. It makes feedback collection and management easy by providing a custom feedback board and roadmap tool that users and teammates can submit feedback to. The software offers a range of powerful features, including SSO, custom fields, embeddable widgets and internal notes. It also offers a range of integrations with key tools in your tech stack. Nolt aims to balance simplicity and power, making it easy to get up and running. Users can make their board perfectly suited to their workflows, with settings like anonymous vs. required logins, privacy, allowing both upvoting and downvoting, adding unlimited custom fields and more. Users can also choose from a range of pre-made templates to create a functional board in real-time or they can customize it to get the look they want. Nolt also helps users engage their own users by sending alerts that keep them in the loop. Supported in over 10 languages, Nolt serves a global audience.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/nolt-profile/) ### Best rated features: Activity Dashboard 5.0 Project Planning 5.0 Crowdsourcing 5.0 Alerts/Notifications 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Customizable Branding 4.0 Real-Time Notifications 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/nolt-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $25.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/nolt-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Ideawake](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/) 4.72 [(87)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Shockingly simple idea management platform proven to transform ideas into impact. AI powered, fast and easy onboarding, 24x7 customer support, and enterprise grade security. Ideawake is an end-to-end idea management platform designed to increase ROI from employee, customer, and partner ideas while cutting the time it takes to manage ideas in half. We provide an easy to use, AI enabled platform that makes it simple to capture, evaluate, and take action on ideas from those who know your organization best. Ideawake is a one-stop platform for innovation management, enabling organizations to run innovation challenges, hackathons, kaizen events, continuous improvement programs, and open innovation initiatives from initial idea sourcing through implementation and ROI measurement. Ideawake is used by organizations ranging from 100-employee startups to Fortune 500 enterprises to drive financial results, increase employee engagement, and build a culture of innovation at scale. The platform powers innovation and continuous improvement programs in 39 countries across 17 industries, including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, financial services, retail, hospitality, and pharmaceuticals. Notable customers include US Bank, Sirius XM, Jason’s Deli, HP, Mercury Marine, and Nerolac Paints. The Ideawake platform features fully customizable workflows that guide ideas from intake through implementation and impact measurement, enabling organizations to manage the entire idea lifecycle while maintaining accountability at scale. Advanced reporting and analytics dashboards provide real-time visibility into ROI, cost savings, and portfolio performance. Enterprise-grade governance, including role-based permissions, approval workflows, and audit trails, ensures secure and compliant program management. Ideawake leverages automation and AI agents to streamline innovation and continuous improvement processes, including AI-powered categorization, summarization, duplicate detection, and idea merging to reduce redundancy and accelerate decision-making. Robust collaboration tools including challenges, commenting, and multiple types of crowd voting drive engagement, while gamification features such as prizes and leaderboards motivate participation and foster a culture of innovation. Beyond idea submission, Ideawake provides powerful prioritization tools such as custom scorecards, along with built-in action tracking and seamless handoff to execution systems to ensure ideas translate into measurable outcomes. Designed for enterprise scalability, organizations can run multiple programs across departments while maintaining centralized visibility and control. With integrations across 50+ enterprise tools including Microsoft Teams, project management systems, and single sign-on platforms, Ideawake reduces data duplication and minimizes application fatigue. The platform is supported by an open API and built with enterprise security in mind, including SOC 2 compliant infrastructure and robust data protection standards. See how leading organizations capture, prioritize, and implement high-impact ideas. Book a demo today to experience Ideawake in action.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/) ### Best rated features: Status Tracking 5.0 Archiving & Retention 5.0 Evaluation Management 5.0 Approval Workflow 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Brainstorming 1.0 Drag & Drop 1.0 Task Progress Tracking 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/#key-features) ### Starter $650.00/month ### Business $1,875.00 ### Enterprise Custom Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Productboard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/productboard-profile/) 4.65 [(153)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/productboard-profile/reviews/) Best for:Customer support ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Productboard is the customer-driven product management system that empowers teams to get the right products to market, faster. It provides a complete solution for product teams to understand user needs, prioritize what to build next, align everyone on the roadmap, and engage with their customers. Productboard is easy to use, enables company-wide collaboration, and integrates into existing workflows. Over 6,000 organizations around the world use Productboard to build excellent products. Key features of Productboard include idea collaboration, resource management, prioritization, road mapping, feedback collection, milestone tracking, monitoring of requirements and workflows. It also allows businesses to engage with the customer community and generate anonymous feedback from colleagues. Moreover, it provides white-label solutions to set up product portals, which help share, review and launch ideas among colleagues and customers. Productboard allows integration with development, notification tracking, email, project planning and other third-party software. The product is available on monthly subscription and support is extended via online chat, email and phone.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/productboard-profile/) ### Best rated features: Dashboard 5.0 File Sharing 5.0 Visual Workflow Management 5.0 Strategic Planning 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Negative Feedback Management 1.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/productboard-profile/#key-features) ### Essentials $25.00/month Starting with 1 maker ### Pro $75.00/month Starting with 2 makers ### Enterprise Custom Pricing available upon request Starting with 5 makers [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/productboard-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Milanote](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/milanote-profile/) 4.72 [(64)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/milanote-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary Milanote is an online platform that helps designers and writers organize the various components of their projects. It can be used to create mood boards, mind maps, briefs and more, all in one place. Milanote lets users create private boards to share with team members. If you're collaborating on a project, you can use Milanote to collect feedback from other team members and ensure service quality. Milanote offers templates that are customizable according to individual workflows. You can add notes or images, as well as PDFs, color swatches, design files, animated GIFs and videos. Milanote also has a web clipper that you can install on Google Chrome. This allows you to save links, images and videos to existing boards from the web with a single click.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/milanote-profile/) ### Best rated features: Automatic Backup 5.0 Drag & Drop 5.0 Approval Workflow 5.0 Project Management 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Mind Maps 3.0 Status Tracking 3.5 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/milanote-profile/#key-features) ### Use Milanote for free $0.00 There is no time limit. ### Pay per person $12.50/month When billed annually the plan price is $9.99/mo. ### Upgrade your team $49.00/month The plan is billed annually and costs $49/mo for up to 5 people and it costs $99/mo for 10 people. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/milanote-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [LiquidText](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/) 4.61 [(176)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/reviews/) Best for:Customer support ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary LiquidText is a note-taking solution that helps businesses collate ideas, create note relationships, handle search processes, and more from within a unified platform. It allows staff members share notes with other team members and export them in multiple file formats, including PDF and DOCx. LiquidText enables employees to add annotations, highlight specific parts, connect segments to source materials, map projects, and collaborate on ideas. It is available on monthly and annual subscriptions and support is extended via phone, email, and other online measures.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/) ### Best rated features: Compliance Management 5.0 Archiving & Retention 5.0 File Management 5.0 Single Sign On 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/#key-features) ### LiquidText Basic $0.00one time Free edition ### LiquidText Pro $49.99/month LiquidText Live! Enterprise Edition, Best for Corporate Users, Security, Manageability, Integrations. This plan is billed annually.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/#pricing-and-plans) ### LiquidText Live $3.99/month Basic Subscription. This plan is billed annually. [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/productivity/liquidtext-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Ideally](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/ideally-profile/) 4.93 [(29)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/ideally-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Ideally is an idea management tool that helps businesses in the early stages of creative development, whether it's with an idea, message, or even package testing. Its self-service survey platform provides results to facilitate decision-making processes.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/ideally-profile/) ### Best rated features: Idea Development 5.0 Search/Filter 5.0 Feedback Management 5.0 Activity Tracking 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Multi-Channel Distribution 3.3 Generative AI 3.8 Trend Analysis 4.0 Project Tracking 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/ideally-profile/#key-features) [LaunchNotes](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/launchnotes-profile/) 4.92 [(25)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/launchnotes-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Not available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Clear. Strategic. Impactful release notes and product communications. Trusted by leading organizations like Square, CoreLogic, LangChain, and SpotOn, LaunchNotes helps companies streamline how they communicate product changes—internally and externally. Built for CPOs, CTOs, and product-led teams, LaunchNotes centralizes release notes, product roadmaps, customer feedback, and feature announcements into a single, scalable platform. Whether you're supporting multiple product lines or aligning Sales, Support, and Marketing, LaunchNotes ensures every update reaches the right audience—at the right time, through the right channels. Companies use LaunchNotes to accelerate feature adoption, increase organizational alignment, and reduce time-to-communication—from code complete to customer awareness. LaunchNotes powers modern release communications for enterprise teams across industries, helping them turn product momentum into real business growth. For Product:  Accelerate product development cycles, boost post-release engagement, and gather real-time feedback from customers and stakeholders at scale. Turn feedback into actionable ideas, prioritize effectively, and maintain transparent communication throughout the product lifecycle. Share external and internal roadmaps to keep everyone aligned, ensuring product changes drive meaningful customer engagement and business outcomes. For Marketing:  Drive higher customer engagement with impactful release communications. Use a dedicated product announcements page and multi-channel distribution - email, Slack, RSS, HubSpot - to showcase product updates and release momentum, turning product changes into compelling stories and a growth driver. For Operations:   Streamline feedback collection, tracking, and analysis to support your product team. Keep internal stakeholders informed with timely updates via private roadmaps and release notes. Ensure projects stay on time and under budget while empowering product marketing teams with tools to create high-quality release communications. For Success:   Enhance customer satisfaction by delivering real-time feedback to product teams and advocating for features customers need most. Improve retention and account value by keeping customers informed about the updates that matter to them, fostering trust and loyalty.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/launchnotes-profile/) ### Best rated features: Reporting/Analytics 5.0 Communication Management 5.0 Feedback Management 5.0 Task Management 4.8 ### Worst rated features: Gamification 2.0 Live Chat 3.0 Campaign Management 4.0 Audience Targeting 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/launchnotes-profile/#key-features) [Yumana](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/) 4.69 [(36)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Yumana makes it simple for Innovation Directors to launch, manage, and scale innovation programs. Our no-code, AI-powered platform centralizes everything you need to oversee portfolios, scout startups, and orchestrate partner ecosystems - all in one place. And Yumana goes beyond innovation teams. HR, operations, and sustainability leaders use the platform to scale proven solutions, foster a “Happy to Copy” culture, and engage employees in continuous improvement. Designed to grow with your business, Yumana delivers stronger outcomes and faster ROI by adapting to your structure, engaging global teams, integrating with your tools, and automating what matters most. Trusted by industry leaders such as L’Oréal, Michelin, Airbus, Safran, and VINCI. Join the Yumana community and unlock the full potential of your innovation ecosystem.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/) ### Best rated features: Progress Tracking 5.0 Commenting/Notes 5.0 Customizable Branding 5.0 Search/Filter 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Data Import/Export 3.0 Reporting & Statistics 3.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/#key-features) ### Basic Custom Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Qmarkets](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/qmarkets-profile/) 4.80 [(35)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/qmarkets-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Managing innovation at a large company is never easy. With endless stakeholders to align, data to process, and pressure to deliver results, it’s easy to fall into the trap of innovation theatre—initiatives that look good but fail to deliver real value. At Qmarkets, we help you break that cycle. We give you the tools, methodology, and expert support to build a next-gen innovation funnel that delivers continuous scalable impact. Whether you’re unlocking strategic challenges, scouting startups, enhancing ideas, or tracking impact, our platform helps you manage every stage of the journey — and prove ROI all along the way. This is what we call Impact-Driven Innovation — and it’s how we help leading enterprises make every innovation count. With clients like Ford, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, and Nestle, we bring decades of experience building innovation programs that thrive on disruption, embrace efficiency, and strengthen resilience at every turn.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/qmarkets-profile/) ### Best rated features: Idea Ranking 5.0 Single Sign On 5.0 Activity/News Feed 5.0 Task Progress Tracking 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Email Management 3.0 Portfolio Management 3.0 Strategic Planning 3.5 Ratings/Reviews 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/qmarkets-profile/#key-features) ### Basic Custom Pricing available upon request [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/hr/qmarkets-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [CrowdWorx Innovation Engine](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdworx-profile/) 5.0 [(19)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdworx-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary CrowdWorx is an idea management solution that caters to small and midsize businesses and provides tools for crowdsourced idea evaluation. It can be deployed on-premise or hosted in the cloud. CrowdWorx allows users to build a configurable website where employees can submit ideas and suggestions. key features include social forecasting, cost management suggestion collection, employee engagement tools and gamification. The campaign module helps users to create and launch a platform to collect ideas from groups of employees. Campaigns can be deployed for a specific time period. The solution also offers open innovation and crowdsourcing functionality to the users, which allows them to use market research information such as price points and volume estimations. Services are offered on an annual subscription basis that includes support via phone, email and tutorials.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdworx-profile/) ### Best rated features: Project Tracking 5.0 Task Progress Tracking 5.0 Portfolio Management 5.0 Document Storage 5.0 ### Worst rated features: Task Management 4.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdworx-profile/#key-features) ### Basic $2,000.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdworx-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [Medallia Ideas](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdicity-profile/) 4.91 [(23)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdicity-profile/reviews/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Not available Software Advice Summary Crowdicity is a cloud-based idea management and crowdsourcing platform for small, midsize and large businesses. It is suitable for businesses in industries including retail, banking, financial services, media, communications, manufacturing, educational institutions and nonprofits. Primary features include idea sharing, file uploads, configurable polls and content filters, user profiles, activity streams and social-media sharing. Crowdicity provides users with a platform to share and communicate ideas within an organization. Users have access to private community-communication tools, email management, email alerts, gamification features, blogs and content uploads. Managers can modify user access permissions and privileges, access admin dashboards and view trend analyses. Crowdicity also allows users to create open communities as well as closed communication platforms within an organization. The software offers integration with various social-media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google, MSN and LinkedIn. The software is also mobile-friendly. Support is offered via phone and email.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdicity-profile/) ### Basic $250.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/crowdicity-profile/#pricing-and-plans) [OneDeck](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/onedeck-profile/) 4.95 [(19)](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/onedeck-profile/) ### Pricing availability Free trial: Available Free version: Available Software Advice Summary OneDeck is a smart, intelligent and automated platform for all your business management needs. With OneDeck, you can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and improve communication, all in one place. OneDeck offers a range of powerful tools and features to help you get more done, in less time. You can create tasks, assign them to team members, set deadlines, and track progress in real-time. You can also share documents, and collaborate on tasks in real-time. This helps you stay connected and engaged, even when you're working remotely. In addition to these features, OneDeck offers a range of customization options. You can add or remove tools and resources, create custom workspaces, and set up custom permissions and access controls. This helps to ensure that the platform meets the needs of your business and your team. OneDeck is also designed to grow with your business. You can easily add new users and expand your use of the platform as your needs change. And with advanced security protocols and encryption, you can trust that your data is kept secure and confidential. OneDeck is a powerful and versatile platform that can help you streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration, and improve communication. Whether you're a small business owner or a large enterprise, Onedeck is a valuable resource that can help you get more done, in less time.... [Read more](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/onedeck-profile/) ### Best rated features: Customizable Templates 5.0 Timesheet Management 5.0 Dependency Tracking 5.0 Marketing Automation 5.0 [See all features](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/onedeck-profile/#key-features) ### Free $0.00/month ### Basic $8.00/month ### Pro $16.00/month [See full pricing details](https://www.softwareadvice.com/crm/onedeck-profile/#pricing-and-plans) 1 [2](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=2)[3](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=3)[4](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=4)[5](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=5)[6](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=6)[7](https://www.softwareadvice.com/idea-management/?page=7) ## Popular Comparisons [ Jira vs Trello ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/atlassian-jira-profile/vs/trello/)[ monday.com vs Asana ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/asana-profile/vs/monday-com/)[ Wrike vs ClickUp ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/vs/wrike/)[ Confluence vs Miro ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/confluence-profile/vs/miro/)[ Smartsheet vs Adobe Workfront ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/smartsheet-profile/vs/workfront/)[ Padlet vs MindMeister ](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/mindmeister-profile/vs/padlet/) ## Your Guide to Top Idea Management Software, March 2025 Software Advice uses reviews from real software users to highlight the top-rated Idea Management products in North America. [Learn how products are chosen](https://www.softwareadvice.com/legal-page/frontrunners-methodology/) #### Explore FrontRunners - [Accubate](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/accubate-profile/) - [Aha!](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/aha-profile/) - [Asana](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/asana-profile/) - [Bordio](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/bordio-profile/) - [ClickUp](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/clickup-profile/) - [Confluence](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/confluence-profile/) - [FigJam](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/figjam-profile/) - [Frameable Whiteboard](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/frameable-whiteboard-profile/) - [Ideawake](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/ideawake-profile/) - [ITONICS](https://www.softwareadvice.com/bi/itonics-profile/) - [Lucidspark](https://www.softwareadvice.com/mind-mapping/lucidspark-profile/) - [MindMeister](https://www.softwareadvice.com/innovation/mindmeister-profile/) - [Miro](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/miro-profile/) - [monday.com](https://www.softwareadvice.com/marketing/monday-com-profile/) - [Mural](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/mural-profile/) - [Padlet](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/padlet-profile/) - [Wrike](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/wrike-profile/) - [XMind](https://www.softwareadvice.com/product/116232-XMind/) - [Yumana](https://www.softwareadvice.com/community/yumana-profile/) “Usability” includes user ratings for Functionality and Ease of Use. “Customer Satisfaction” includes user ratings for Customer Support, Likelihood to Recommend and Value for Money. Reviews analysis period: The reviews analysis period spans two years and ends the 15th of the month prior to publication. “There's no good idea that can't be improved on.” Michael Eisner, CEO of Walt Disney Corporation 1984-2005. Ideas come and ideas go. Some live, some die—and some need to be chased down. The trick to profiting from the good ideas is, as Eisner implied, to continually improve them. But given their intangible nature, identifying and improving upon good ideas is much easier said than done. Idea management software—also called ideation management software—is a new collection of tools designed to help companies do just that: identify and develop the best ideas they come across, whether from customers, employees or members of the public. This Buyer’s Guide will help you understand how idea management software works and how it can help your business. It covers: [What Is Idea Management Software?](#WhatIsIdeaManagementSoftware) [Common Features of Idea Management Software](#CommonFeaturesofIdeaManagementSoftware) [Software Market Trends You Should Understand](#SoftwareMarketTrendsYouShouldUnderstand) [Example Idea Management Workflow](#ExampleIdeaManagementWorkflow) ## What Is Idea Management Software? Idea management software is designed to help collect, develop and collaborate on ideas that are relevant to your business. The software helps companies categorize ideas and even open up idea submission and development to customers and other interested third parties. _Home page in Wazoku’s Idea Spotlight, showing four categories of ideas for an example company_ It’s not always immediately obvious if a new idea is actually worth pursuing. But, few new ideas seem worthy until they’re developed at least a little. Not wanting to waste time on fruitless ideas, most companies are forced to ignore all but the most obviously great ideas. This leads to missed opportunities or, worse yet, competitors developing the same idea at a later date. The main goal of idea management software is to prevent good ideas from going to waste. It does this by systemizing the process of idea management, so that new ideas can be vetted with less effort. This helps the company consider more of them and miss fewer opportunities. ## Common Features of Idea Management Software Idea management software has elements in common with other genres of software, like mind mapping software, [knowledge management software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/help-desk/knowledge-management-comparison/), even [project planning](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/project-planning-comparison/) and [project management software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/). But despite some general similarities, idea management software is purpose-built for the workflows, processes and permission controls needed for idea submission, collaborative development and selection. It is available in many forms and different packages that will contain some or all of the following applications: **Idea campaigns** Organize ideas by grouping them into specific campaigns and challenges. Campaigns can be open to the public, employees or select groups. **Idea funnels** Set up discrete stages for ideas to pass through as they progress from initial idea to final approval, helping systemize, monitor and benchmark the entire process. **Mind mapping** Visualize how the various elements of an idea (or several ideas) relate to one another. These are graphical tools, usually with drag-and-drop UIs. **Collaboration tools** Many idea management platforms come with tools that help teams work together, like document and file sharing, collective to-do lists and automated notifications. **Custom branding** Some idea management platforms allow for custom visual branding, so the interface can match your website and the look and feel of your brand. **Gamification** Make idea sharing and development part of a contest, competition or on-going game. Gamification can encourage people to help in the ideation process. **Customizable workflows** Rearrange and configure the various stages of the idea management process and control which users get to participate in which stages. _Organizing ideas by category with Qmarkets idea management software_ ## Software Market Trends You Should Understand Cloud-based software, or Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), is an SMB’s best friend. Compared to on-premise installations, cloud software can usually be expected to be more: - **Affordable**: It typically uses a pay-as-you-go pricing model—meaning no large investment is needed to get started. Services are also easier to cancel. - **Accessible**: Cloud-deployed software can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection. - **Integratable**: It’s also often easier to integrate applications. Since the apps are deployed from the vendor’s servers, you won’t need to set up or maintain your own. For these reasons, most idea management systems suitable for SMB use are cloud-based. It’s the best option for a majority of SMBs, excluding only those with very specific IT integration requirements. ## Example Idea Management Workflow Idea management software typically allows for a lot of workflow flexibility. This is helpful, even necessary, given the fact that companies have very different approaches to and requirements for idea management. That said, the idea of idea management might be entirely new to you, so below is an example of the types of stages that could be used. 1. **Collection.** The company puts up a public-facing website with a description of the problem it’s trying to solve. The company invites its customers, employees and members of the public to submit ideas directly on the website. 2. **Vetting.** The company’s management looks over the submitted ideas, eliminating any that are impractical or don’t sufficiently address the problem. They create a shortlist of five of the best ideas. All five ideas could work, but management is unsure which would work best. 3. **Voting.** The company creates a new page online to present the five best ideas, each with a short explanation. Employees and customers are asked to vote for their favorite idea and add any additional comments. 4. **Selection.** Management reviews the comments and tallies the votes, selecting two finalist ideas. Potential problems and downsides are listed for each idea. Company employees are invited to comment on the ideas, adding any potential problems and solutions of their own. 5. **Refinement.** The company uses its idea management software to internally collaborate on, improve and implement the remaining ideas. _Idea Funnel overview in Qmarkets’ idea management software. It shows the quantity of ideas being actively considered as they progress through the various stages._ ### Related Idea Management Software - [Collaboration Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/collaboration/) - [Diagram Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/diagram/) - [IT Project Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/it-comparison/) - [Project Management Software](https://www.softwareadvice.com/project-management/)