User Story Mapping

The idea that stories should be used to find common understanding is supplemental to the design process I already use, especially when it comes to telling or presenting my designs or ideas to others. When I give presentations, I always preface with a story— why this design is something that I made, and why it is something that someone else might need too. It might not be that each audience member individually finds a personal connection to the story I tell, but much like the vacation photo example, we all should land on a common ground of why this concept is important. In my design process, especially in design thinking classes, the idea starts with someone’s personal struggles which are then shared in the form of a possible solution with their project group— from the start of the design process it is important to use a story as the mode of delivery for an idea. That story translates into possible user personas: who else might have a similar or equal problem, or need this solution? Overall, the concept of storytelling not only opens people up to a new solution, but can maximize its applications by seeking out other stories where that solution works.