People and Connections Map

The tool helps to focus attention on all actors in the product-service (eco)system. In doing so, it sheds light on actors and their possible role in the solution’s design and implementation. It also provides insight on those affected by the challenge, ensuring that marginalized voices are included. By mapping actors, services can be (re-)designed based on value creating relationships and improved based on user (actor) research. The tool is a first step towards a stakeholder map which defines these roles in greater strategic detail. As a first step, it also starts shedding light on the replicability of other SI ideas in the local context (from a reverse engineering perspective).  

The map seeks to encourage initial thought on the actors involved both directly and indirectly in the challenge space and their potential role in its solution. As such, it is useful for mapping relationships between actors and different facets of the challenge and identifying who to create value for, who can participate in the creation of the value (and when) and who is engaged in its delivery. It also sheds more light on aspects of the challenge that need to be researched and on narrowing in on specific elements of the challenge that address specific targets. It can also help in planning the co-creation process.  

The tool is a great mapping exercise to narrow in on different aspects of the challenge and the different actors engaged and their relation to each other. Adequate time should be given to this as a preparatory step towards other phases of the co-design process (e.g. context analysis, stakeholder engagement, value proposition, etc.).  

The tool can be completed by the project team but is best completed with representatives from the challenge ecosystem to ensure that all actors are mapped and their possible connections. It is important to ensure that the marginalized and other unusual suspects are included to guarantee inclusion and work towards a just solution. 

Start from the center point of the tool by listing your target audience (beneficiaries, users, customers) who can benefit from your idea. Then work towards the outer layers and list stakeholders that surround you or are somehow related to the work you do. The closer they are positioned to the center point the stronger their influence or value is. Once you fill in the worksheet, revise the input, one by one, and reconsider possible repositions together with your team. By reviewing the stakeholders you will encourage team discussion and gain better understanding of relationships and connections you are trying to build. When finished, you will get a clear, visual stakeholder graphic to help you highlight and communicate the main focus 
of your work. 

The map should be presented to different actors for further input and revisions.  

The tool is already quite simple and flexible. Further detail can be added to contextualize it in the specific area or thematic focus. It should be translated into the local language.