Tool Directory

Start with the why, and then select the tool

There are a wide range of tools available for each stage of the design process. It is important to think about what you seek to achieve and then to find or create a tool that would help you to do that.

This directory allows you to choose from all the tools on the webpage. The tools are indexed by design stages where they are typically used.

The tools below range from ones that anyone can use such as Journey mapping to ones that require more prior training and experience such as Personas.

 

Affinity Mapping

Affinity mapping, also known as affinity analysis or sense-making, is a visual technique used to organise and categorise data and/or information gathered in the research phase.

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Empathy Map

Empathy maps are a simple and visual tool designed to better understand service users and communicate their needs, feelings, thoughts and behaviours gathered during research.

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Ethical engagement cards

The engagement cards assist teams in planning and conducting ethical engagements.

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How Might We statements

'How Might We' statements help turn insights into opportunities for design.

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Idea Generation

Ideation or idea generation is the creative process of generating, developing and communicating new ideas by involving users, stakeholders and staff.

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Interviewing

User research focuses on understanding the people we're designing for.

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Journey Map

Journey mapping helps you understand, record, and share the experience of a person using your service.

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Personas

Personas are a tool that represents your service users by describing their backgrounds, beliefs, needs and motivations.

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Problem Framer

The Problem Framer is a tool that helps teams think both holistically and clearly about the issue at hand, focusing on solving the right problem.

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Service blueprint

A service blueprint is a visualisation of an entire service delivery.

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Stakeholder Map

A stakeholder map helps make all the various people and organisations that form part of the ecosystem, visible to the team

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Success Criteria

Success criteria are a set of agreed metrics that are measured to evaluate the success and impact of a service improvement and/or new services.

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Systems mapping

Systemic design integrates systems thinking and human-centred design, with the intention of helping designers cope with complex "wicked problems" through design projects that foster system change.

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Value Proposition Canvas

The value proposition canvas is a practical tool that helps teams explore and improve how a service creates value for its users and stakeholders.

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Last Updated: 14 May 2025