Ecosystem Maps

Understand the broader context and stakeholders involved in a project

Project Stage:

Discover

Who:

Customer

Experts

Decision makers

Service Providers

Design Principles:

An ecosystem map is a visual tool that helps us understand the complex network of relationships, interactions, and interdependencies within a service or system. It includes all the actors, (stakeholders, resources, processes) and their connections, providing a holistic view of how different elements interact and influence each other.

To build an ecosystem map, you must first map all entities and then connect them based on the relationship and influence they have on each other.

Use it to

To grasp the bigger picture and assess a project’s potential impacts, resources, and key stakeholders, while identifying knowledge gaps, relationships, interactions, and pain points within service delivery.

Top Tips

Define Clear Objectives: Establish the purpose of the map to ensure it addresses the specific needs and questions of your project or analysis.
Include Relevant Elements: Identify and include all significant stakeholders, resources, processes, and their interactions to provide a comprehensive view.
Use Visual Hierarchies: Organize elements in a way that highlights the most critical components and their relationships, making the map easy to interpret.
Update Regularly: Ecosystems are dynamic; regularly update the map to reflect changes and maintain its relevance and accuracy.
Engage Stakeholders: Involve relevant stakeholders in the mapping process to capture diverse perspectives and ensure the map’s completeness and accuracy.
Simplify Where Possible: Avoid over-complicating the map. Strive for simplicity to ensure it remains a useful and accessible tool for analysis and communication.

How – to

Identify all actors involved in the service. This includes both visible and behind the scenes stakeholders, include those who may not be directly involved in the service delivery but still impact it. You can use an online tool like Miro to map this, or a large sheet or sheets or white board and sticky notes.
For each actor consider what their role is, how they do it and what they need to be able to do that role. This includes the service or value they deliver, information they need or share, people and systems they interact with, and the tools they use and how they communicate.
The user should be at the centre of the map, then place the other actors around them. Use circles to show the importance of each player. Those who are more important should be placed closer to the user at
Once you have documented everyone on the map draw connection between the user and other players and the players themselves. You can use different types of lines and different colours to represent different types of information exchange or interactions.
It is a good idea to periodically take a break and review the map. Ask yourself if anything is missing? Document any observations and discussion with sticky notes, capture these discussions don’t lose them.
Keep adding to the map, the map is a living document. You can refine and update as you learn more. Highlight pain points or gaps in the map. This can help you identify areas for further exploration. Use the map to share insights with team members or stakeholders.