A stakeholder map is a visual representation of all the people, organizations, and entities impacted by the problem you seek to solve. Taking stock of all these stakeholders is crucial to ensure your solution resonates with those it aims to serve. By visually mapping out all those who are impacted by and have an influence on your work, you can craft more effective solutions, anticipate challenges, and identify those who might be inadvertently impacted.

Create a list of all individuals and groups affected by the problem and potential solution. Brainstorm those who might be typically overlooked. Organize all people, groups, and organizations into primary, secondary, and tertiary audiences.

• Center the problem you seek to address at the heart of the map. 
• Include different types of people, such as your direct target audience, community leaders, policymakers, subject-matter experts, funders, investors, and competitors. 
• Consider power dynamics among these stakeholders and how your innovation might shift or reinforce them.
• If relevant, differentiate between the payer and the end user. For example, digital games may have children as users, but parents/adults are the payers.
• Identify potential allies and champions of your cause.
• Identify the goals and interests of different stakeholders, keeping in mind that not all of their goals and interests will align with yours. Use your stakeholder map to communicate who your target audience is to funders, investors, or innovator support organizations.

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Disclaimer: We acknowledge that the term "stakeholder" has roots in colonialism and that its use is not ideal. However, it remains a widely used term in business and product development. We employ it here to ensure you have access to the same language and resources as dominant groups in the innovation world. We are committed to inclusive language and welcome suggestions for alternative terms.