Interaction map

The Interaction map is a participatory activity where participants identify and visualize the relationships, connections, and flows of information between different actors within a system. This approach helps to understand the context, identify critical points and opportunities, and make strategic decisions.

Preparation

1. Define the purpose: Establish the objective of the interaction map, such as analyzing relationships in a community, organizational system, or project.
2. Identify key actors: Prepare an initial list of the actors or elements involved in the system to be analyzed (people, organizations, resources, processes).
3. Gather materials:
   • Large paper or whiteboards.
   • Markers, sticky notes, or cards.
   • Optional: digital tools like Miro or MURAL for online mapping.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Introduce the purpose
   • Explain what an interaction map is and how it helps understand complex systems.
   • Introduce the context or topic to be analyzed (e.g., “How do the different actors interact in a community project?”).
2. Identify actors
   • Facilitate a brainstorming session for participants to identify relevant actors in the system.
   • Write each actor on a sticky note or card and place it in the workspace.
   • Guiding question: “Who is directly or indirectly involved in this system?”
3. Visualize connections
   • Participants draw lines between actors with relationships, indicating flows of information, resources, or actions.
   • Use different colors or symbols to categorize types of interactions (e.g., communication, resource exchange, conflicts).
4. Collective analysis
   • Reflect with the group on the represented relationships:
     • Which connections are the strongest or most frequent?
     • Which actors are disconnected or underutilized?
     • Which flows of information or resources are critical?
   • Identify critical points, bottlenecks, or opportunities to improve the system.
5. Iterate and improve the map
   • Adjust the map based on group insights and observations.
   • Add or remove actors and connections as necessary.
6. Closing and synthesis
   • Summarize the main conclusions from the exercise.
   • Discuss how the map can inform strategic decisions or specific actions.
   • Document the final map for future reference.