How would I create a web based dynamic mind mapping application in Javascript?

Question

I am trying to create a type of mind mapping software that runs on the web, and I am trying to figure out where to start. I would like this to be able to be used by the most number of people possible. My web application is currently written using Javascript for the front end and C# for the back-end.

I was thinking of using Javascript for this. Unfortunately, the most experience I have with Javascript is with basic DOM manipulating using JQuery and cannot really figure out how I would create mind map bubbles with interactive elements inside of them.

There are one or two mind mapping jquery plugins I have found but all don't function the way I need to (too much animation, slow, doesn't look easy to add and remove elements easily, doesn't work in IE, etc...) so I am looking at creating my own system but I have no idea how I would even approach this type of thing with JS.

HTML5 is not an option as it looks to be low availability at this point.

Answer 1

Raphaël in combination with the Dracula Graph Library will get you started. Be prepared to do some scripting of your own. (for example: i quickly checked the source of the dracula graph library. The graph has no method removeNode, but it is really easy to add it )