Mapping an Ecosystem
with the Regional Data Alliance / 3 month facilitation
Data for making community change exists in a patchwork across different organizations, goals, and structures. The Regional Data Alliance’s (RDA) mission is to build shared data infrastructure and support strong data actors who use quality data to improve people’s lives. The details of this work are complex, but the RDA needed a clear communication tool to express their strategy and align their team and partners as they grow new programs and opportunities.
Public Design Bureau provided facilitation and guidance in creating a map that illustrates the connections and strategy of the RDA, and helps participants, funders, and collaborators see themselves in the RDA’s work. The final visualization shows the relationship of the RDA to community change efforts, and helps to define what data means to new stakeholders joining the conversation.
Process + Outputs
- Organizing and prioritizing: PDB facilitated a worksession with the RDA leadership to create a visual map of ongoing projects and opportunities, identify areas for emphasis, and develop initial language and visuals for testing.
- Testing and workshop: In a second worksession with the larger the RDA team, PDB led a series of exercises to share, challenge, and adjust the language and visuals, aligning on a narrative storyline that reflects the RDA’s goals.
- Implement and refine: PDB supported the RDA in incorporating the language and visuals into communication materials for funders and stakeholders.
Public Design Bureau 