Mapping the practice of developmental evaluation: Insights from a concept mapping study

•The practice of DE is described through 7 clusters of activities in a concept map.•The map depicts 3 broad facets of bounding, creating and using an inquiry space.•These facets of DE are interconnected in an integrated and distributed practice.•Aspects of the practice of DE can be “invisible”; difficult to describe and teach.•Guiding principles help with navigation, both for evaluators and program actors.