Crafting Engineering Strategy

Chapter 15. Wardley Maps

Of the three core strategy-refinement techniques, this is the technique that I’ve personally used the least. Despite that, I decided to include it in this book because it highlights how many different techniques can be used for refining strategy, and how it’s never too late to keep expanding your toolkit.

Whereas techniques like systems thinking and strategy testing often zoom in, Wardley mapping is remarkably effective at zooming out. It’s particularly effective at looking at the broader ecosystems in which your organization exists.

This chapter starts with a 10-minute primer on Wardley mapping, then provides:

• Tool recommendations

• When Wardley maps are an ideal strategy refinement tool, and when they’re not

• The process I use to map

• How to integrate a Wardley map into your strategy creation process

• Breadcrumbs to example Wardley maps

• How to document a Wardley map in the context of a strategy writeup

After working through this chapter and digging into some of this book’s examples of Wardley maps, you’ll have a good background to start your own mapping practice.

Wardley Mapping: A 10-Minute Primer

Wardley maps are a technique to ensure your strategy is grounded in reality—or, as mapping practitioners would say, for creating situational awareness. It was created by Simon Wardley in 2005, and if you have a few days, you might want to start by reading Wardley’s book on the topic, Wardley Maps, available online for free on Medium. If you only ...