What comes to mind when you think of an eco-system?

Maybe your first thought is an environmental eco-system, such as the Amazon rainforest in Brazil? Maybe you think about an eco-system in the context of technology, such as a network? Or maybe you’re visualising something completely different? Whatever comes to mind, the chances are you’re likely to be thinking about something that’s complex, and interconnected.

Here are 8 broad characteristics of an eco-system that you may find familiar:

  1. Multiple components – including organisations, teams, people, machines, sites and customers
  2. Interconnectivity – of the component parts within the system
  3. Interdependency – of components which may rely upon each other, exchange something, or need to collaborate together
  4. Flow or exchange – of something such as information, money and physical objects (e.g. products)
  5. Capability to grow –“scale-up” and become more complex
  6. Improvement – as opportunities for refinement and greater effectiveness become apparent
  7. Regulation and safeguards – are needed to ensure the system is protected from potential damage and mis-use
  8. Sustainability – to ensure that the system creates minimal impact on the environment.
Infographic by Inky Thinking team

Eco-systems exist everywhere, and even by reading this post you (and your device) are part of an eco-system that enables this content to make it’s way to your screen. And that’s where user experience makes an entrance. These characteristics of an eco-system are all critically important, however above them all sits the end-user (you) who is seeking an efficient, effective and intuitive experience from the system itself. Just this week you will have been a user of an eco-system thousands if not millions of times.

At Inky Thinking we love to illustrate interconnected, complex eco-systems. There are few illustration projects more satisfying and challenging than figuring out how to create an engaging and straight forward illustration that draws together many interconnected parts. In fact, we’re working on an eco-system illustration right now, enabling stakeholders quickly understand the deep, layered IT complexity behind a simple, global customer portal.

Here are just a few of the complex eco-systems the team at Inky Thinking have illustrated for our clients:

  • The interconnected stakeholder needs within an equipment subscription service for health care professionals.
  • The building and service infrastructure at major sports venue.
  • The strategic pillars connecting the activities of a major online fashion retailer.
  • Describing the opportunities and obstacles to the effective implementation of an integrated healthcare system.
  • The benefits of global, integrated systems in a complex insurance business.
  • The interconnected parts of a people strategy within a world class scientific research environment.

As we enter the summer break you may be reflecting on how you can successfully communicate an eco-complex system to your key stakeholders, customers and partners. Maybe you need your stakeholders to reach a decision on critical next steps for a strategy or project, or you simply need them to realise the complexity of the system itself, just like the author Richard Scarry did.

Anything is possible with illustration.

“What comes to mind when working with the fabulous Tom & Jen from Inky Thinking, is: Collaborative – they make it their mission to really understand what the research will be used for. They listen, ask clarifying questions, validate their assumptions! Providing thought-provoking suggestions on how to capture the insights. Deep research to understand the topic inside-out prior to engagement with external stakeholders to make us shine. We have done multiple projects with Inky Thinking and all the outcomes have been exceptional! You won’t see such targeted visionary boards anywhere else! They are pieces of art! Thank you. Looking forward to our next project!” Hologic Inc.

About Inky Thinking …

Inky Thinking is a creative agency specialising in the creation of bespoke visual imagery, enabling leaders and organisations to communicate seamlessly. Services include graphic recording (live illustration), bespoke rich picture design and animated explainer videos. Ask the team of Inky Thinkers to create impactful imagery of lasting value by emailing hello@inkythinking.com or calling +44 (0)333 567 2121.