Wartungsmeldung:Derzeit finden intensive Arbeiten an der Onlineplattform statt. Es kann zwischendurch zu kurzen Unterbrechungen kommen. Danke für Ihr Verständnis.
Context mapping is an exploratory method used to understand the everyday world, needs, and motivations of a target group. Using creative tools such as interviews, collages, or cultural probes, contexts are visualised and deeper insights into participants’ experiences are uncovered. The aim is to generate practical input for the development of new products or services.
The technique of context mapping is primarily used during the exploratory phase of a design process. It generates valuable insights into the context and motivations of the people who will later engage with the product or service. To better understand the everyday reality of the target group, creative tools such as interviews, cultural probes, or collages are used. The focus is not only on functionality, but also on how the new product or service will be marketed and how it can be meaningfully positioned within users’ lives in a way that inspires interest and engagement. However these deeper motivations are explored, they should be clearly illustrated.
As this method is an open-ended process – essentially aimed at co-creating something with others – there is room for variation. The outcome strongly depends on the preparation and the setting. You are the expert in innovation, design, or communication. The other participants are experts in their own lived experience. Your task is to explore that experience in order to develop empathy.
Author: Thomas Duschlbauer; Title: Der Querdenker: Das Toolkit mit 30 ausgewählten Methoden (German); ISBN: 9783907100639 (The Lateral Thinker: The toolkit with 30 hand-picked methods)
Image source: https://blog.codecentric.de/2015/07/microservices-strategie-vor-taktik/ (20.03.2019)