
Markus Harrer
Sep 21, 2023
Wardley Maps for Software Developers

#1about 6 minutes
Introduction to Wardley Maps for strategic planning
Wardley Maps are a tool created by Simon Wardley to help teams collaboratively visualize and evolve software systems and business strategy.
#2about 5 minutes
Building your first value chain with an example
Learn to construct a value chain by defining a scope, identifying users and their needs, and mapping the dependent components.
#3about 3 minutes
Understanding that component value depends on the user
The position of a component like Kubernetes in a value chain is not fixed and depends entirely on the specific user's perspective.
#4about 2 minutes
Communicating the value of technical infrastructure work
Frame technical improvements by directly linking low-level components like Kubernetes to high-level user needs like handling peak loads.
#5about 3 minutes
Mapping component maturity on the evolution axis
The evolution axis plots components from novel genesis and custom-built stages to mature product and commodity services.
#6about 2 minutes
Using a completed map for strategic analysis
Analyze a map to identify poor investments, assess dependencies on immature components, and decide whether to build, buy, or outsource.
#7about 4 minutes
Applying strategic patterns and competitive gameplays
Use strategic patterns and gameplays, from collaborative open approaches to competitive signal distortion, to influence the evolution of components on the map.
#8about 3 minutes
A real-world example of reframing a technical problem
A case study shows how mapping an admin panel for restarting servers revealed a better strategy focused on monitoring and self-healing systems.
#9about 2 minutes
Practical tips for getting started with Wardley Mapping
Start mapping by focusing on a narrow scope, identifying users and needs, building a value chain, and then applying the evolution axis.
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