Kumu is a web-based data visualization and mapping platform that helps individuals and organizations make sense of complex systems and relationships. It allows users to create dynamic relationship maps, stakeholder maps, and system diagrams that reveal patterns, connections, and insights that are not easily captured in traditional spreadsheets or linear documents.
Designed for system thinkers, policy analysts, researchers, and change-makers, Kumu supports deep exploration of relationships within networks, organizations, ecosystems, and more. Whether you’re mapping stakeholders for a nonprofit, visualizing policy impacts, or analyzing organizational dynamics, Kumu helps surface clarity from complexity.
The platform emphasizes usability and customization, providing a visual interface that enables teams to work collaboratively and share interactive maps online.
Features
Kumu offers a rich feature set focused on mapping relationships and visualizing complex systems.
Interactive Relationship Mapping
Visualize entities and their relationships in real time using node-link diagrams that can be explored, filtered, and rearranged.
Stakeholder Mapping Tools
Build detailed maps of stakeholders, their interests, power levels, and influence on key initiatives.
System Mapping
Analyze feedback loops, dependencies, and flows within systems using visual models grounded in systems thinking principles.
Custom Styling
Apply custom colors, icons, labels, and CSS-based styling to tailor maps to your brand or analysis needs.
Data Import and Sync
Import data from spreadsheets, Google Sheets, or integrate with third-party tools using APIs to keep maps up to date.
Rich Annotations
Attach notes, images, links, and metadata to elements and connections for deeper context.
Filtering and Perspectives
Create multiple views (called “perspectives”) of the same data to focus on specific relationships or themes.
Collaboration and Sharing
Work with teams in real time, manage permissions, and share public or private links for interactive access.
Map Templates
Start from prebuilt templates for stakeholder maps, systems maps, or strategy maps to accelerate your work.
Presentation Mode
Use maps directly in meetings and workshops with presentation tools built into the interface.
Integrations and API
Kumu provides a developer-friendly API and integrations to automate map creation and updates.
Export Options
Export maps to PNG, SVG, or share them via iframe embedding or direct public URLs.
How It Works
Kumu is structured around elements (nodes) and connections (edges). Users start by creating elements that represent people, organizations, concepts, or events. Then, they create connections that define relationships between these elements — such as influence, funding, partnership, or communication flow.
Maps are built through manual entry, spreadsheet imports, or via the Kumu API. Users can organize their data using groups, tags, and custom attributes. Once the data is in place, Kumu’s visual engine generates a map that can be refined with filters, layouts, and styling.
Kumu supports the creation of “perspectives,” which are filtered and styled views of the same map. This allows different users to focus on what matters most to them, without duplicating data.
The system is browser-based and requires no installation. All maps are stored in the cloud and accessible from any device with internet access.
Use Cases
Kumu is a versatile platform used across sectors for mapping complex relationships and systems.
Stakeholder Engagement
Nonprofits, foundations, and advocacy groups use Kumu to identify, categorize, and engage with key stakeholders in a project or initiative.
Systems Thinking & Change Management
Organizations map causal loops and system structures to identify leverage points and plan strategic interventions.
Public Policy Analysis
Policy researchers and think tanks visualize the interconnections between institutions, legislation, and actors involved in policy decisions.
Community Mapping
Map relationships within communities, between organizations, and across issues to foster collaboration and understanding.
Project Strategy
Consultants and strategists build visual strategy maps to align teams and stakeholders around shared goals and key dynamics.
Network Analysis
Academic researchers and analysts use Kumu to explore social, organizational, and communication networks.
Sustainability & Social Impact
Map environmental and social systems to better understand interactions, feedback loops, and systemic challenges.
Workshops & Facilitation
Use Kumu in real time during meetings to engage participants, visualize ideas, and co-create understanding.
Grantmaking & Fundraising
Visualize funders, grantees, and ecosystem partners to improve outreach and impact assessment.
Personal Knowledge Mapping
Individuals use Kumu to map career goals, decision-making processes, or personal networks.
Pricing
Kumu offers a flexible pricing model suitable for individuals, teams, and large organizations.
Free Plan
Unlimited public maps
Basic collaboration features
Ideal for students, educators, and open data projects
Pro Plan – $10 per user/month
Unlimited private maps
Advanced styling and filters
Team collaboration and version control
Export and embedding options
Organization Plan – Custom pricing
Designed for teams with advanced needs
Single sign-on (SSO), audit logs, custom domains
Priority support and onboarding
Kumu offers discounts for nonprofits, educators, and students. A free trial is available for premium plans.
Strengths
Kumu delivers significant advantages for users aiming to understand and communicate complexity.
User-Friendly Interface
Intuitive drag-and-drop map builder makes it easy for non-technical users to create and explore maps.
Powerful Customization
Advanced styling and perspective features let users tailor maps to different audiences and use cases.
Flexible Data Sources
Supports manual entry, CSV imports, Google Sheets sync, and API integrations.
Collaboration-Ready
Built-in team features make it easy to co-create maps with internal and external collaborators.
Wide Range of Applications
Useful across industries for mapping systems, stakeholders, and networks.
Cloud-Based Access
No software installation required, and maps are accessible from anywhere.
Supportive Community
Resources, tutorials, and community forums help new users get started quickly.
Affordable for Small Teams
Low-cost pricing makes Kumu accessible to nonprofits, educators, and small organizations.
Drawbacks
While powerful, Kumu may not be ideal for every situation.
Not Designed for Large-Scale Data
Best suited for medium-sized maps; performance may degrade with tens of thousands of nodes.
Limited Quantitative Analysis
Kumu is focused on visualization and qualitative mapping rather than advanced statistical analysis.
Steep Learning Curve for Complex Maps
As maps grow more intricate, managing styling, filters, and perspectives may require deeper familiarity.
No Native Mobile App
Mobile web access is supported, but there’s no dedicated iOS or Android application.
Offline Access Not Available
Requires internet connectivity to access and update maps.
Limited BI Integration
Not intended for dashboarding or integration with traditional business intelligence platforms.
Comparison with Other Tools
Kumu is often compared to tools like Gephi, Miro, Lucidchart, and Mural.
Gephi is a network visualization tool focused on quantitative graph analysis but lacks the intuitive interface and collaboration features of Kumu.
Miro and Mural are whiteboarding tools useful for brainstorming but do not offer structured relationship mapping or data-driven maps.
Lucidchart offers diagramming tools but is geared toward flowcharts and process diagrams, not systems or stakeholder mapping.
Kumu stands out as a dedicated platform for mapping complex relationships and systems, with both visual and structural depth.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Users of Kumu praise its clarity, flexibility, and ability to bring hidden patterns to light.
“Kumu helped our nonprofit visualize our stakeholders and identify gaps in outreach.”
“The interactive maps were a game-changer in our systems thinking workshops.”
“We mapped a complex network of public policy actors with ease.”
“Our funders loved the clarity that Kumu brought to our ecosystem report.”
Its popularity among NGOs, academic institutions, and consulting firms demonstrates its value across diverse use cases.
Conclusion
Kumu is a powerful tool for mapping relationships, systems, and networks. With its user-friendly interface, flexible customization, and collaborative features, it enables organizations and individuals to understand complexity in a clear and interactive way. Whether you’re working in public policy, nonprofit strategy, systems thinking, or community engagement, Kumu provides the structure and visuals to guide your work effectively.
