About

A stakeholder map is a diagram of the stakeholders of a product or system, that is, the people who interact with the product or system, and those affected by it. Draw a stakeholder map to think about and discuss all the people who are somehow involved in the artefact that you are designing. Use a stakeholder map to plan desk and field research in the EMPATHISE stage. Draw the web of stakeholders, label them, show how they are connected, write short descriptions, add drawings or symbols, whatever you need.

   ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​FIGURE: A stakeholder map that gives an overview of the people associated with a ‘playground’ that is located in a park. Such a stakeholder map helps a designer visualise all the people who use the playground, or who are somehow associated with it. A stakeholder map allows the designer to explore the subject of a design topic, while opening up many avenues of further research.

​​​​​​​What you need

• You can map alone, but drawing a stakeholder map in a group of around three to five designers should give better results.
• A3 printer paper, or you may use a chalkboard or whiteboard.
• Coloured markers, pens, or pencils.
   

Method

• Write the title of the stakeholder map in the centre of the page. For example, write ‘Playground Stakeholder Map’ if that is your design topic. Draw a border around the title.
• Branch out from the centre with lines, list the stakeholders that come to mind first, adding detail as you think of more connections to people involved with your topic.
• Drawing the stakeholder map might lead to questions or ideas for research. Write them down on the map, or add them to your Research Questions (IV) list in your notepad.
• Add drawings to make your stakeholder map memorable.
  • Add colour using coloured pens or pencil to liven up your map.
• Check your stakeholder map.
  • Have you covered the topic adequately?
  • Is there anything you need to add?
     

​​​​​​​Tips

• You may enlarge your stakeholder map by taping more paper to the side of your map.
• It is a good idea to review the stakeholder map one or two days later, to see if anything needs to be changed or added, and to re-draw it in a neat and organised way.
• Record your stakeholder map for safekeeping by scanning it or photographing it.