Job Mapping

(from blog.weddingpaperdivas.com)

"Job Mapping" is an entirely new concept to me.  Job mapping allows companies to take objects, service, products etc. that are already being used in the world, study their flaws based on current usage and find ways to improve the product or service. This is kind of like a summary of what we have learned about the innovation process as it can be applied to product innovation. It is funny how far you can go "breaking down" the way a person uses, say, a tool. It seems basic; you use a hammer to hammer a nail for instance. Prior to this class, I would have left it at that. You use a hammer to hammer a nail, its basic. After reading this article in addition to what we have learned in class, I now know that you can get much deeper than that.

So, lets take an example and apply it to this. I will use a very basic example but one that I think will work for this methodology. The example:  Hosting a brunch.

(1) defining the objectives:  planning the menu appropriate for all guests, inviting guests, determining how much money is available for the food, determining type of brunch (formal or informal), reasoning behind inviting guests (build relationship, thank you etc), clear space in schedule

(2) locating the necessary inputs: locating place to purchase food, place settings, materials needed for cooking, decorations, babysitter if needed during brunch, locating specialty stores for obscure foods

(3) preparing the physical environment: setting table, organizing kitchen for cooking, cooking all of the food in a timely manner, decorating the home, cleaning, making sure every guest has a seat and utensils, decide on good music

 (4) confirming that everything is ready: making sure that the food is cooked well and is ready to be eaten, making sure there is enough of everything, confirming that the home is clean and welcoming, turn off oven to prevent major disaster


 (5) executing the task: host brunch guests, serve food, welcome guests, have meaningful conversations and help the guests to feel comfortable, ensure that all are fed and that everyone has what they need

 (6) monitoring its progress: key in to guest's needs, monitor food to ensure that there is enough and it is still edible, notice conversations, keep good music playing in background, keep dog out of dining room if necessary

 (7) making modifications as necessary: fix anything that needs to be fixed (make stronger coffee, put more bread in the oven etc) adjust heat in room if too hot/cold, change music if needed, offer low calorie options if requested

(8) concluding the job: see guests to the door, say goodbye, clean dining room, clean kitchen, wash dishes, preserve food, turn off electricity


While this example is undoubtedly basic, it does indeed follow the methodology of job mapping. If a person was to follow this when planning a brunch, the next time they plan one, they may be able to forsee issues and prevent them from occuring. It is a great way to improve a task and in the long run, save money, effort and energy.