Empathy Maps for Impact: Drive Design Decisions

Course Curriculum

Course Overview (1 Lesson, 5 min)

• Course Overview & Downloads

When to Create Empathy Maps and How to Get People on Board (5 Lessons, 61 min)

• Why Use an Empathy Map?
• Empathy Maps vs. Other Mapping Methods
• When Not to Use an Empathy Map
• How Empathy Mapping Supports Design and Research
• Selling Empathy Mapping to Stakeholders

Creating Better Empathy Maps (4 Lessons, 48 min)

• Anatomy of an Effective Empathy Map
• Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
• The Poison of Stereotypes and Assumptions
• Evaluating Empathy Maps

Building Empathy Maps with Research (3 Lessons, 44 min)

• The Data You Need to Build an Empathy Map
• Prepping Your Data: From Raw Research to Sticky Notes
• Placing Data in the Four Quadrants

Running a Successful Empathy Mapping Workshop (4 Lessons, 42 min)

• Allocating Time and Who to Invite
• Materials to Prepare
• Watch Me Plan a Real Empathy Mapping Workshop
• Facilitation Techniques and Managing Group Dynamics

What to Do After You Complete the Empathy Map (5 Lessons, 58 min)

• Prioritizing Themes and Taking Action
• Telling the User Story with Empathy Maps
• Using Empathy Maps Beyond the Workshop
• Updating Empathy Maps Over Time
• Example: Comparing a New and Old Empathy Map

Conclusion (2 Lessons, 7 min)

• Putting It All Together
• Final Thoughts