Mind mapping software is a tool used to visually represent and organize information or data. A mind map is created starting from a central idea to which other supporting or reinforcing data are added and branched. It is hierarchal in that main ideas are connected to the central concept and smaller ideas branch out from those.

I guess that sort of makes sense, but what makes it different from other concepts that follow a hierarchal order, like reddit comments for example? I'm still having a hard time understanding what makes it a 'breakthrough' concept? (I only say breakthrough by judging how many downloads mind mapping apps get on almost every app store on virtually every platform) I mean, it has to be really good, right?

There's absolutely nothing "breakthrough" about it. It's been a very common technique in the business world for decades... it's just that we used to use a pen and paper or whiteboard.

Some advantages

It's limited in scope - you're only going to fill the paper, so it can be focused but still give some new ideas without going on forever

It's fast

You can very quickly see if we've got one "full" and one empty branch, so people's thoughts will naturally focus on filling the empty branch... that's good for balance

It encourages ideas not detail. In Reddit, for example, we all end up writing big paragraphs. A mind map entry will be one or two words, perhaps a phrase, but rarely more.

It's topical and the hierarchy makes sense to people. The "branching" nature gives a really good structure that people can deal with nicely

In short, it works very well for sitting down for 10 minutes and throwing out some ideas. You then take the mind map away with everyone's basic ideas and think about them independently to discuss in detail further. Mind maps find a very good balance between getting lots of ideas quickly, and not wasting time expanding on them too much.

On Reddit, though, I regularly find myself trying to find which comment another comment is referring to - the hierarchy doesn't work very well beyond a couple of levels.

I'm saying this based on my personal beliefs and not based on any references. Maybe it's because the mind diagram is less cluttered as opposed to say, reddit comments. It's more personal and organized when you yourself draw your own mind map regarding a certain topic. In addition, I myself thrive in remembering things when the information is presented in a visual chart rather than bullets or random text so it's a good tool for people who prefer visual learning styles.

The advantage of a mind map over a hierarchical list is branching/interconnecting. You can display a complex system of ideas, including their relation to each other. That being said, I'm not much of a mind map person myself and actually prefer lists

For larger projects, I set up a wiki system (dokuwiki in my case), with which you have both lists and interconnections via links.

Mind mapping software is an application that uses a visual interface to brainstorm ideas without any particular order or structure. It starts with a central idea and branches out into thoughts, tasks, words, concepts, ideas, and items. It can be as unique as the person creating it.

Moreover, mind mapping software also is a brainstorming tool that enables you to create many visual diagrams of your ideas. Using a mind map maker, you can create an idea and a conceptual mapping that illustrates the connections and hierarchy between different ideas.

Mind Maps are visual maps of your ideas, laid out in a radial format around a central thought. To use Mind Maps for study, simply take the central subjects and then organize your notes around this point.

Moreover, mind mapping is an instrument for sorting out thoughts, taking notes, and organizing papers. Mind maps carry the request to your contemplation and welcome a free progression of ideas, also empowering imagination.