What are some tools and methods for creating stakeholder personas and journey maps in cross functional teams?

1 Persona templates

A persona is a fictional representation of a typical or ideal stakeholder, based on research and data. A persona template is a document that guides you to fill in the relevant information about your persona, such as their name, role, demographics, motivations, challenges, and preferences. You can use online tools like Xtensio, HubSpot, or Userforge to create and share persona templates with your team, or you can use a simple word processor or spreadsheet. The key is to make sure that your personas are realistic, consistent, and based on evidence.

3 Stakeholder interviews

One of the best ways to gather data and insights for your personas and journey maps is to conduct stakeholder interviews. Stakeholder interviews are conversations with real or potential users or beneficiaries of your product or service, where you ask open-ended questions to understand their needs, goals, expectations, and experiences. You can use online platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to conduct stakeholder interviews remotely, or you can meet them in person if possible. The key is to prepare a script, record and transcribe the interviews, and analyze the results.

4 Empathy maps

An empathy map is a tool that helps you to synthesize and visualize the information you collected from your stakeholder interviews. An empathy map is a diagram that shows what your stakeholder says, thinks, feels, and does in relation to your product or service. You can use online tools like Mural, Canvanizer, or Empathy Map Canvas to create and share empathy maps with your team, or you can use a paper and pen. The key is to make sure that your empathy maps are accurate, concise, and actionable.

5 Persona stories

A persona story is a tool that helps you to communicate and validate your personas with your team and stakeholders. A persona story is a short narrative that describes a typical day or scenario for your persona, highlighting their needs, goals, challenges, and how your product or service helps them. You can use online tools like StoriesOnBoard, Storyboard That, or Plotagon to create and share persona stories with your team and stakeholders, or you can use a presentation software or video maker. The key is to make sure that your persona stories are engaging, relevant, and realistic.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?