Mind mapping is a visual thinking tool that represents ideas radially around a central concept. It reflects how the brain naturally thinks in an associative way. Tony Buzan popularized mind mapping as a technique to improve memory, problem solving, note taking and creativity. An effective mind map uses elements like colors, images, branches of curved lines with one word per line to stimulate associations and help generate new ideas. Famous geniuses like Da Vinci and Darwin were believed to use mind mapping type techniques to develop their innovative thoughts.