Contract document map
What is it?
A contract document map can be used to map and show the overall information architecture and degree of complexity of contract documents – for example:
- how many pages the contract is made of
- which documents are (or are not) part of the contract documents
- where in the set of documents certain topics are covered
- the various documents’ order of precedence
A contract document map can be implemented in many different ways, some more visual and some less. At its simplest, it can be a table showing all documents, what topics they comprise, and recurring topics across documents.
What problems does it solve?
If one has to work with a large set of documents, with lots of pages, appendices, references, and so on, it is easy to lose the big picture. It is also easy to lose key details, since an issue may be fragmented and addressed in different clauses and attachments. A contract document map offers a glimpse into the information architecture of the document: it helps to keep track of the documents and their titles, their order of precedence, and where contractual topics are addressed. It can also be used as a cover document showing what is (and what is not) part of the contract.
When to use it?
One way to use a contract map is as an assessment and strategy tool.
Assume that you want to convince your decision makers to initiate a contract simplification journey: what better way to do so than showing how complex the current set of documents is. Showing how your documents look through the eyes of someone who has not seen them before may be an eye-opener for those who are just too familiar with the status quo. Showing the number of pages that people need to read to find the scope and goals, for example, may add to the felt need to cut the complexity. Why would you want to address an issue in different clauses, Attachments, and Addenda, if you can do it in one place?
You can also use a contact document map to help people navigate your contract documents and find what is important for them.
Why use it?
If your current contracts with all their references and Amendments are just too much for anyone to handle, a contract document map can help you make the need for change visible. It can work as a conversation starter that says to your decision makers that it is time to do things differently– and more simply. It is a necessary tool when (re)designing the information architecture of contract documents. It also gives you a great starting point that you can use later after you have transformed the documents: people tend to like before and after images.
If, for any reason, you are not able to simplify your contract structure, a contract map can be used as an overview and a wayfinding tool to ensure that readers know exactly where a given topic is discussed.
Where to use it?
- Contract documents
- Contract guides, instructions, and playbooks
- Training materials
- Meetings
- Policies
© 2019 Stefania Passera, Helena Haapio, and WorldCC
Pattern families
Visuals Navigation OrganizingExample 1
CNOOC International RFP case: mapping document topics and reorganizing them more simply
This example is taken from a redesign project aimed at creating a simpler request for proposals for CNOOC International to engage local small contractors. The contract document map was used to first identify all the topics covered by the different documents included in the original request for proposals (left side of the image). The map was then used to plan a clearer information architecture and more usable documents. The topics were reorganized into new documents, grouping them more coherently by themes (right side of the image).
Source: Waller et al. / Journal of Strategic Contracting and Negotiation
© 2016 Waller, R., Waller, J., Haapio, H., Crag, G., & Morriseau, S. Used with permission.
Example 2
DXC Technology: navigating the Fast Track Modular Contract with a tabular contract document map
Fast Track is DXC Technology’s standard modular contract, designed to make IT contract negotiations faster and less bespoke. To help prospective clients get an understanding of the Fast Track approach and contract structure, DXC created a tabular document map to help users locate more easily various contract topics across documents.
This example shows an excerpt of the Fast Track contract map, as presented in an instructional brochure.
© 2018 DXC Technology. Used with permission.
Example 3
A "visual" table of content can be a contract document map
The table of content of this framework agreement for processing services doubles as a contract document map. The table of contents lists all contract documents, their pages, and icons and color-coding are used to signal recurring topics across documents.
© 2018 Stefania Passera. Used with permission.
Example 4
Using contract document maps to start a simplification journey
In this example, the contract document map was used to show to an organization how complex and long their contract documents look in the eyes of someone who has not seen them before, for example a new customer or supplier.
Several documents were included in the agreement by reference only, "hiding" almost 200 additional pages!
© 2018 Helena Haapio / Lexpert Ltd. Used with permission.
Example 5
Using contract maps to explain the document structure to clients
Valmet uses a contract map in its Service Agreement to help clients understand the contract structure and navigate more easily between legal and technical documents. The map also works as a checklist to guide Valmet’s drafters in correctly packaging and documenting the contents of each agreement.
© 2023 Valmet. Used with permission.
Design: Stefania Passera, Paula Doyle, Peter Hornsby
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Have you used contract document maps? You can contribute to the Library by sharing an example.