Markus Harrer

Wardley Maps for Software Developers

Stop wasting time on build-vs-buy debates. Wardley Maps provide a strategic framework to make smarter, faster technical decisions.

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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