A mind map is a diagram used to visually organize information into a hierarchy, showing relationships among pieces of the whole. It is a brainstorming technique used to visually structure ideas to help with analysis and recall. A mind map is a tool for the brain that captures the thinking that goes on inside your head, helping you think, collect knowledge, remember, and create ideas.

Some key characteristics of mind maps include:

• Central Theme: A central theme is placed in the center of a blank page. This is the title, the subject, a problem, or just a thought. From the central theme, associations radiate out.

• Associations: Associations directly from the central theme are called first-level associations. Then second-level associations are created, third level, and so on. The brain thinks by imagination and association. When associations are created, connections are made. These connections are essential for remembering and thinking.

• Curved Lines: Associations are often drawn as curved lines because the brain likes curves.

• Keywords: Mind maps summarize information. Instead of sentences, ideally only single keywords are used. A single word per association gives more freedom, creativity, and clarity.

• Proximity: The length of a word ideally matches the length of a curved line. That causes associated words to be in close proximity.

Mind maps can be created by hand, either as "notes" during a lecture, meeting, or planning session, or as higher quality pictures when more time is available. Mind-mapping software can also be used to organize large amounts of information, combining spatial organization, dynamic hierarchical structuring, and node folding. Mind maps are best suited for creative thinking and brainstorming that happens in real-time, but they can also be useful for note-taking during meetings, presentations, and educational materials. Mind maps are used by people in business, education, government, the charity sector, and at home for project planning, strategic thinking, and managing meetings.