The Versatility of Visual Roadmaps
The Visual Metaphor that Keeps on Giving
I want to share with you one of my favourite (and most versatile) visual metaphors—and no, it’s not a lightbulb!
Rich Picture - WILPF Theory of Change - Strategic Plan 2017 - 2021
After more than a decade of live illustration, rich picture creation, and explainer animation, there’s one visual that I keep coming back to: the humble roadmap.
Sometimes, it’s a simple squiggle with a few icons representing key touch-points. On other occasions, it’s a more complex design, complete with barriers, obstacles, and forks in the road. Whatever the level of detail, roadmaps are an incredibly powerful way to make sense of various journeys.
Here are just a few ways they can be used:
Customer journey
Company vision
Company retrospective (e.g., marking an anniversary)
Project timeline (before and after)
Process visualization
Employee onboarding
Patient journey (a big one—with many variables!)
Employee Onboarding
For employee onboarding, roadmaps provide a clear, visual guide to help new hires navigate their first days. When integrated with tools like Miro or Mural, they become even more powerful, allowing for interactive elements that link directly to key resources and documentation.
Navigating Change
I’ve also created roadmaps to help organizations communicate shifts in direction. These visuals help employees understand changes and see how their own journey fits into the bigger picture.
Patient’s Journey
In healthcare, a patient’s journey can vary significantly depending on their provider (GP, surgeon, nurse) and even their location. A well-designed roadmap brings all these factors together, helping healthcare professionals and patients alike see the bigger picture and make better decisions.
Company Vision
Similarly, a visual representation of a company’s vision keeps everyone aligned. When designed with adaptability in mind—such as with Miro or Mural—it becomes a living document that evolves with the organization. I recently created one for a client on Miro, allowing them to update it as their vision develops.
No matter the context, roadmaps offer a compelling way to bring clarity, alignment, and engagement to complex journeys.
Do you have an idea that you’d like to bring to life with a visual roadmap. Hit the button below.. lets chat!!
Project Roadmap - Co-Act for Mental Health - Citizen Social Science - Open Systems
