Mapping an Ambient Assisted Living Service as a Seamful Cross-Channel Ecosystem

In this chapter we detail a spatial method to map cross-channel ecosystems based on systems thinking and the framing of cross-channel ecosystems as defined in information architecture. The spatial mapping tool is applied on a specific case in the ambient assisted living domain with the goal of exploring how such an approach might further the current understanding of service journeys and their connection to environmental, organizational, and actor-related aspects represented through information flows. Specifically, we discuss how organizations and care institutions could use such an approach to better understand the larger ecosystems in which they are to act in the future. Findings include the strategic role that seams present in the ecosystem map where a thorough design of seams allows to capture possible logical fallacies plaguing the ecosystem. Additionally, seams allow an organization to understand what part of the ecosystem they have influence over and when actors make the organization’s touchpoints an integral part of the activities they intend to perform. Specifically for the services mapped in this chapter, the ecosystem map shows the interplay between tablet and the oven and hob and to which users adhered to the most during service processes.