A Force Map is a graphical representation of the context of a design challenge. It includes iconic representations of the key elements in this context (social, material and intentional factors), and lines noting the relationships between them. These relationships are marked "+" when supportive, and "-" when indicating a tension. The design challenge can often be defined in terms of resolving some of these tensions.

Examples of force maps

Links to extended descriptions:

Force maps activity from OLDS MOOC: http://cloudworks.ac.uk/cloud/view/7588 (detailed instructions and videos of examples)

Mor, Y. (2013). SNaP! Re-using, sharing and communicating designs and design knowledge using Scenarios, Narratives and Patterns. In R. Luckin, P. Goodyear, B. Grabowski, S. Puntambekar, N. Winters & J. Underwood (ed.), Handbook of Design in Educational Technology (pp. 189-200) . Routledge

About / contact:

Yishay Mor, yishay.mor (at) open.ac.uk