Cartography

'We should map that out now!'

You hear that phrase more and more in all kinds of companies and organisations. That's convenient, because I map everything.

Well, almost everything.

My maps depict not the landscape of the planet, but the landscape of ideas.

More and more organisations are recognising the importance of being able to see at a glance where the barriers are, where the opportunities and difficulties lie. Where are the gorges to be bridged, the rapids, the wastelands to be bypassed or crossed, the swamps to be avoided or reclaimed.

This mapping provides groups of people with different frames of reference with a common vocabulary for exploring complex topics. You can orientate on your position in a unique new way, trace achievements and set goals, circumvent problems and set and clear strategy.

My work opens eyes, unfolds and other views, channels conversations, promotes engagement, kindles enthusiasm, triggers-and keeps conversations going and contributes to making complex issues stick in a sympathetic, effective and more interactive way than thick reports do.

If you are interested in this new way of seeing, organising and mastering, let us hear from you. Getting acquainted is always interesting, and who knows, I might also map out your world.

Read more about it in the publication 'Atlas of Everything.' (Sorry, in Ductch only) If you are interested in a copy, please get in touch.

how it works

In an orientation meeting, we determine the working method. 

  • We gather the key concepts of the topic to be mapped, for instance through file studies, surveys, interviews, conversations or organising workshops.
    These workshops can also be an enjoyable and effective team-building event.
  • Then I bring patterns and connections into these keywords. I represent these in a cartographic way.
    With periodic feedback, I refine the structure and execution and incorporate feedback from participants. This also helps promote participant involvement already during the creation process. 
  • The maps are published. There are all kinds of possibilities; in different formats, in offline and online applications, interactive or not. 
    A cartography may be a one-off drawing, or several versions may be produced over a longer or shorter period to visualise a development.

What's in it for you

These cards are used for various purposes, 

  • for internal or external workshops
  • Internal or external communication
  • To initiate and keep conversations going
  • Quickly give people from different backgrounds a common vocabulary to facilitate talking about complex topics
  • Common orientation to goals
  • Plotting, monitoring and tracking strategies
  • Visualising and exploring scenarios
  • Creating support or engagement

what it costs

Creating a complex and fine-grained design is neither easy nor cheap. Moreover, it is manufactured on the basis of a thorough understanding of the coherence of complex information. That takes time. 

A usual rate for a reasonably simple execution is around €2,500 to €5,000.

Depending on the complexity of the orientation, number of participants, project duration, number of versions and applications, print runs and other variables up to €25,000 or more...

If you would like to know more about my approach or want to explore whether this work would benefit your organisation, Do not hesitate to contact me with no obligation. Then, in a no-obligation orientation, we explore the application, workflow, planning and the extent of resources required.

idea cartography

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