Ecosystem Mapping
Ecosystem Mapping visually represents all the key players and their relationships within a specific service or system. It helps teams understand the broader context, identify gaps, and uncover opportunities for synergy and improvement.
Use Ecosystem Mapping when you need to gain a holistic understanding of a complex system, identify key stakeholders, and visualize the flow of value and information between them. It's particularly useful in the early stages of service design or strategic planning.
Solves: Lack of shared understanding of the system, Siloed thinking, Missed opportunities for collaboration
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Step 1: (15 min) Identify all players and entities involved in the service or system. Consider direct participants, behind-the-scenes actors, and those with indirect influence.
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Step 2: (30 min) Place the user or focal point at the center of the map. Position other players around the center, with proximity reflecting their importance to the user.
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Step 3: (45 min) Draw connections between players, indicating the type of relationship (e.g., information exchange, financial transaction, support). Use different line styles or colors to differentiate relationship types.
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Step 4: (30 min) Review the map as a group. Identify any missing players, gaps in the system, or potential pain points. Document observations and insights using sticky notes or digital annotations.
- Encourage participants to think broadly and consider all potential stakeholders.
- Use different colors or line styles to represent different types of relationships.
- Regularly check for understanding and ensure everyone is contributing.
- Focus on the flow of value and information between entities.
- Use different shapes or icons to represent different types of entities.
- Create multiple maps focusing on different aspects of the system.
- Incorporate data or metrics into the map to quantify relationships.