Difference Mapping

Difference Mapping is a way of exploring the different ways that different types of people experience an activity, practice or resource.

Related Approaches and Tools

Life Histories

Participatory Rural Appraisal

Digital Tools

Thematic Analysis

Sensemaking Workshop

Generating Insights

Differences maps help participant(s) to share and reflect on a particular experience, event or activity. For example, a difference map might explore how different people access a latrine, experience a program, or conduct a new practice like handwashing. Difference mapping can offer both a unique approach to MEL, but also as a transformative activity for project participants. Participants have the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences; the good, bad and ugly.

Within MEL, difference mapping can be used in two different ways:

Retrospective – single point of time reflecting on a past experience
Comparative – single point of time comparing experience of different types of people

Difference maps have four objectives:

Encourage participants to reflect on their own experience or the experience of others
Compare and contrast the experiences of different types of people
Begin deeper conversations around complex topics – such as gendered access
Collect GESI-related insights through difference map outputs

Step 1. Clarify the objective and modality of difference mapping

In this first step, facilitators will need to reflect on exactly what they hope to achieve using a difference mapping exercise. Some points to think through include:

Which activity, experience or event will be investigated?
Online facilitation, interviews, workshops or focus groups?
Change agents, beneficiaries, or staff?
Individual or group activity?

Step 2. Prepare the materials

Collect and prepare materials used for the difference map. This can be as an A3 canvas or large brown poster paper. There are also canvas available online on platforms such as Miro or Mural. If the process will be conducted in person, prepare markers and post-it notes. We recommended testing any tools with a variety of participants before starting. Add visuals and translate as required. Laminate cards or templates if they will be used frequently.

Step 3. Conduct difference mapping exercise

At the appropriate time, during the interview, workshop, or focus groups follow these sub-steps.

Think of a specific part of the program (like purchasing a latrine, or training).
Identify the different types of people that might participate (men, women, young, old).
Use the different sections of the page to describe how different people experience this activity. What do they see, do, think, hear, say, feel? What struggles do they have? What opportunities do they have?

Step 4. Data analysis, sensemaking and sharing

The final step is to analyse difference mapping responses to identify key themes and to share them with relevant stakeholders.

Compile maps. We recommend creating a spreadsheet, drawing software or word document to summarise the differences between different types of people (gender, age, role). Use all relevant ‘data’ including text, drawings and observations. Create composite journey maps representing the main types of people who participated.
Conduct thematic analysis. Drawing on the compiled difference maps, search for patterns and themes within the data. Explore differences by age, gender, ethnicity or other aspects. This may take a different shape if the analysis is longitudinal or comparative.
Generate insights. Bringing together the compiled journey maps and thematic analysis to create a set of insights from the data.
Sensemaking workshop. In a workshop setting, explore the data with a group of key-stakeholders.

Travel Restricted Times

While difference mapping is best done in person, it can also be completed remotely using participatory methods.

Keeping in mind differences in access and literacy, think about different ways to facilitate and plan the activity.

Computer and internet access	Encourage participants to fill in a difference map on collaborative platform (Mural, Micro, Google Slide or Google Sheet). This can be conducted individually or collaboratively as an interview, focus group or workshop through video/audio conferencing. Encourage participants to fill in a difference map through an online qualitative survey (Mentimeter, Phonic, Google or Microsoft Forms, Kobo, Airtable)
Smartphone and internet access	Encourage participants to fill in a difference map through an online qualitative survey (Mentimeter, Phonic, Google or Microsoft Forms, Kobo, Airtable)
Basic phone access	Collect difference map information over the phone as an interview and have enumerator fill in the canvases.

See an example of participatory activities using Google Slide.

Learn more on the digital tools page.

Materials

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