Traditional empathy maps are split into 4 quadrants ( Says, Thinks, Does, and Feels), with the user or persona in the middle. This article is a guide to empathy mapping and its uses. It externalizes knowledge about users in order to 1) create a shared understanding of user needs, and 2) aid in decision making. Empathy maps, widely used throughout agile and design communities, are a powerful, fundamental tool for accomplishing both.ĭefinition: An empathy map is a collaborative visualization used to articulate what we know about a particular type of user. However, in order to do it, not only must we deeply understand our users, but we must also help our colleagues understand them and prioritize their needs. As UX professionals, it is our job to advocate on behalf of the user.
