Process Mapping by Tube

This is a method for documenting business processes, based on the design elements of the London Underground diagram. I have used this technique in place of standard flowcharts, for all kinds of process-related documents including quality systems, to give a fresh and user-friendly look to what can be rather boring material. If you want to give your company processes a new lease of life and get staff using them regularly, this really will help.

The design of this diagram has stood the test of time and gives us a number of good design rules and features which are just as applicable to finding your way around a company's operating systems as they are for journeys around London. Originally developed by Harry Beck, the first version of the diagram was published in 1933 and even though it has since passed through the hands of many designers, its basic elements and concepts remain unchanged to this day.

I did my first tube-mapped process for a client back in 2000 just as a one-off. It went down so well that it led to requests for several other processes to be re-written in the same way, and for them to be published in handy leaflet format and also on the company intranet. Users were really keen to get copies of the processes and make use of them, pinning them up by their desks. Discussions about processes were enhanced through the use of terms such as "changing trains" and  "being on the Piccadilly Line". 

Trying the method out

This is not a computer software solution to business process mapping. It's more pen-and-paper, trial-and-error. By going through the same thought processes as Harry Beck did, you work out how things are interconnected and thus how they can be improved.

First, download the "Process Mapping by Tube" guide book, which explains a bit about the background to the original tube map and how it has been adapted for business process use.

Secondly, buy the Microsoft Powerpoint template, which has track pieces you can use to create your own processes (examples and guidance on the use of this is included in the guide book above).

Thirdly, buy "Mr Beck's Underground Map" to gain some more insight into how the original diagram evolved. If you are having a problem with the placement of lines or alignment of text, seek Harry Beck's advice - he will doubtless have come across similar problems many years ago and the book includes many of his sketches to test out complex junctions and connections. See also the Process Mapping books page for other publications about process mapping.