When it comes to the origin of the mind mapping technique, Tony Buzan is a significant name. He is a British psychology author who popularized this technique, as well as mental literacy and radiant thinking.

He mentioned and made the “mind map” term popular in 1974 on a BBC TV series when he talked about radial thinking.

He introduced this term, but the technique itself has roots from the 3rd century, when philosophers started to use graphic elements to diagram ideas, concepts, and thoughts.

When Buzan created this concept, he was inspired by big names of their history, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, and later on by Joseph D. Novak (who created the concept maps).

Since it was discovered and until now, the process of creation has changed from drawing to digital building. Therefore you can create a mind map using pen and paper or advanced mind mapping software.