Stakeholders

Understand the people connected to the challenge

Design challenges rarely affect only one group of people. Every product, service, process or experience exists within a wider network of relationships, interests and influences. Stakeholder mapping helps teams identify who is involved, who is affected and who has the ability to shape outcomes.

Stakeholders may include customers, employees, community members, managers, suppliers, investors, regulators, partners and many others. Understanding these relationships helps teams develop a richer picture of the context in which a challenge exists.

Recognise different perspectives and needs

Different stakeholders often have different goals, motivations, concerns and expectations. What creates value for one group may create challenges for another.

By identifying stakeholders early, teams can explore multiple perspectives rather than focusing on a single viewpoint. This broader understanding can uncover tensions, competing priorities and hidden opportunities that may otherwise be overlooked.

Stakeholder analysis encourages teams to consider whose voices are being heard, whose voices may be missing and whose needs should be included in the design process.

Reveal influence, impact and opportunity

Not all stakeholders have the same level of influence or experience the same level of impact. Some may have decision-making power, while others may be directly affected by outcomes without having significant influence over them.

Stakeholder mapping helps teams understand these relationships and make informed decisions about engagement, communication and collaboration. The process can reveal important contributors, potential supporters, vulnerable groups and key decision makers whose involvement may be critical to project success.