Sustaining Momentum

Many organisations run one successful mapping session… and then drop it. Without integration into planning, strategy, or decision rhythms, the map becomes a forgotten artefact instead of a living tool. Sustaining momentum is one of the hardest UNM adoption challenges.

What This Challenge Looks Like

  • Teams never revisit the map

  • Insights are noted, but not translated into decisions

  • New needs emerge but aren’t added

  • Leadership doesn’t use the map in strategy conversations

  • The practice fades once the facilitator steps away

A humorous cartoon features two characters at the bottom, one with glasses and a green shirt, the other with a plain face and black shirt. Above them is a user needs map.

Why It Happens During UNM Adoption

A comic strip featuring two characters. The first character is a gray figure with a blue shirt and a white tie, asking, "Didn't we have a map for this somewhere?" The second character is a round-headed figure with glasses and an orange shirt, responding, "It was great in the workshop... and then the real world took over."

  • No designated “map steward”

  • Mapping perceived as a one-off event

  • No integration with planning, portfolio, or team design cycles

  • Delivery pressure crowds out reflection

  • Lack of confidence in evolving the map over time

How to Move Past It

Diagram illustrating teams working on different capabilities, with a central platform connecting to various teams, and a cartoon character summarizing the update.

  • Make the map a standing artefact in planning sessions

  • Add a UNM review to quarterly or monthly rhythms

  • Assign someone to maintain it (a UNM steward)

  • Use the map for flow decisions, not just alignment

  • Celebrate updates, discoveries, and refinements

Practical Tips

  • Set Clear Expectations: Define how often maps should be updated and who is responsible.

  • Track Progress: Use measurable outcomes (e.g. reduced dependencies, faster delivery times) to show the impact of mapping.

  • Provide Support: Offer resources, templates, or training to make the process easier for teams to adopt and sustain.

Momentum grows when the map becomes part of how decisions are made — not something you did once.

A cartoon illustration of a user needs map with characters observing and commenting.

Make It a Habit

Incorporate User Needs Mapping into regular workflows. Schedule recurring reviews, such as quarterly check-ins or retrospectives, to revisit and refine your maps.

Celebrate Successes

Highlight the tangible improvements achieved through User Needs Mapping. Sharing success stories reinforces its value and motivates teams to continue the practice.

Integrate Mapping into Existing Processes

Tie User Needs Mapping activities to established processes, such as team planning, strategic reviews, or operational meetings. This ensures the practice remains a priority.

Safe-to-Try Interventions