Blog Numero Uno: Empathy Map

Empathy is a crucial virtue to have not only for everyday life, but also, for the business world. Empathy is essential in order to better understand consumers. To practice viewing a consumer’s wants and needs, I decided to work out an empathy map for a very good friend. Summer has gone through more in her 21 years than most people 10 years her senior. This blog post will include the map that delves into Summer’s feelings, presumed actions, and other qualities that complete who she is.

Summer is a college senior at the University of Texas majoring in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. She holds a prestigious job with the government and has endless possibilities ahead of  her. Before I met her in college, she had been through a lot. She became pregnant as a teenager and decided to keep the baby. Later, Summer made the heart-wrenching decision to put her child up for adoption. I chose Summer because, in my eyes, she is completely unlike me. Not because of what she has gone through, but because she has overcome these obstacles with an inspiring perseverance.

Feeling

Summer is continually on the move. There is always something to be done or someone to meet with. For her, loyalty is the most important quality someone can possess. Summer appreciates having a tight-knit group of close friends after having experienced the difficult social repercussions of being pregnant at a young age. Summer has busied herself over the last 4 years in college with mastering the Arabic language. 

She has immersed herself as much as possible into the Arabic culture by playing violin in the Middle Eastern orchestra and singing for the UT Arabic choir. Her work has paid off and she has already secured an impressive job working for the government in Washington D.C.

 She aspires to become a US ambassador or diplomat where she can help settle the many conflicts facing the Middle East.

Seeing

Summer spends her main time between her apartment and UT campus. More specifically, a majority of her day is spent looking at her computer or phone screen. 

She tries to make time in her schedule to meet with friends on campus for lunch or study sessions. Always the multitasker! 

Summer stays current with trends from technology to clothes. She is easily influenced by advertisements on the TV as well as online, and subsequently, is a major consumer.

Speaking

Summer is an open and lively person in public. She has no qualms about starting conversations with strangers. Summer stays presentable but still prefers black nail polish. It’s a guarantee that her iPhone will be in her right hand while the left hand is used to over emphasize a conversation point. Summer behaves nicely towards strangers; however, cross her once and you will know it.

Though for her friends, she will do anything you need of her.

Hearing

Summer takes into account everything her friends tell her. Their opinion matters greatly to her, but she is very much independent when it comes to making her own decisions. She will listen to offered advice, but may not always take it. Summer’s bosses from the numerous internships she has worked have continuously mentioned to her that she is a dedicated, hard worker. Summer is usually known as outspoken and unafraid to confront someone if she disagrees, even if that someone is an esteemed professor.

She has many sources of influence. Family, her sister, and friends are all at the top.

Pain Points

Summer fears failure and not being able to reach her goals. She becomes frustrated when her plan for success goes awry or someone gets in the way. Summer is very emotionally driven and dating relationships can cause difficulties in her social life. She has not had much success in forming long lasting relationships.

Gain Points

Summer wants to establish a successful career that will help others. To be completely happy, Summer is going to need a healthy romantic relationship. I believe she’ll know when she is successful when she has made a difference in a community whether it’s global or local. Recognition of her peers is also a measure of success for her. At this point, there are no obstacles in her way. Truthfully, the sky is the limit.