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Related Approaches

There are three related approaches that are derived from gigamapping: synthesis maps, layered scenario mapping, and metaphor maps. Common to them is that they are narrower framed than the gigamap and are more specialised towards a purpose. The gigamap is intentionally left open and general as well as process-oriented.

Synthesis Maps

Peter Jones & Jeremy Bowes

Abstract: This paper presents a framework and process for a visual language that is developing as a systemic visual method, and to integrate and outline aspects of this synthetic map formulation as the “synthesis map” both with reference to contributing authors, but also as a comparison to design principles and the method of visual design language. In this way the technique’s purpose as an emergent and creative tool – method can be illustrated, in contrast to the approaches of infographics, and other visual map making associated with design ideation, and design schema representation. Synthesis maps integrate evidence and expertise in a visual narrative for knowledge translation and communication.

Systemic Design Pedagogy, Narrative, and Intervention. Peter Jones and Jeremy Bowes, OCAD University, Toronto, Canada

CanIMPACT Clinical Synthesis Map. © 2016 OCADU Strategic Innovation Lab (Jones P. and Bowes J. 2016).

LayeredScenarioMapping

Layered Scenario Mapping

By Sigrun Lurås PhD

Layered scenario mapping is used to gain insight into the ‘situation one designs for. It is a systemic technique and emphasises presenting information in different layers going from an overview to very detailed information. The technique proposes a structured approach to collecting and presenting data and provides a template for sorting and presenting the data in a layered manner hierarchically, spatially, and temporally.

Metaphor maps

National Institute of Design

At the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, India, they have developed a tradition of gigamapping that is quite characteristic. It is recognised by its vivid use of metaphors, making these maps immediately accessible. In this example, a group of students under the guidance of Professor Praveen Nahar and  Sahil Thappa pulled apart the notion of empathy and revealed it as a system of its own.

Swayamsiddha, Shefali, Awaee, Supreethe, Vaidehie. NID, Ahmedabad, India

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Gigamap Exemplars

Gigamap Exemplars

These gigamap exemplars are organised into three main groups: content maps, functional maps, and structural maps. They are from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design, the Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences, Chalmers Technical University and...

Sense Sharing

Sense Sharing

Gigamaps are about sharing a sense of complexity. If the team members have a diverging sense of the complexity of the task, this is a problem. The person who thinks it is a simple task will allocate far fewer resources to the project than the person who thinks it is a...

Layered Scenario Mapping

Layered Scenario Mapping

Layered scenario mapping is a technique used to gain insight into the ‘situation one designs for'. It is a systemic technique and emphasises presenting information in different layers going from an overview to very detailed information. The technique proposes a...

Reinventing the Wheel

Reinventing the Wheel

"Reinventing the wheel" has come up – especially when people compare gigamapping to mind-mapping. This made me ask what it means to reinvent the wheel, and what kind of wheel is gigamapping? People ask what differentiates SOD and gigamapping from other approaches and...

How to Gigamap

How to Gigamap

There are some useful rules of thumb for how to gigamap that have emerged through producing gigamaps and instructing students and professionals.

Gigamapping Discussion

Gigamapping Discussion

This gigamapping discussion is the transcript of an email exchange between George and Birger Sevaldson. The discussion was based on the map "Age-related Obesity Trends and Factors." Are there also ideas embedded in this complex visual structure that may be discovered...

Gigamaps are designed artefacts

Gigamaps are designed artefacts

Gigamaps are designed artefacts – they are not meant to be an accurate record of complex systems “out there.” When working with gigamapping, one works with information as a designer in a constructivist way.When gigamapping, the information is designed through several...