wardley-mapping

# Wardley Mapping

A strategic mapping technique for understanding competitive landscape, technology evolution, and making informed architectural decisions.

## When to Use This Skill

**Keywords:** wardley map, value chain, evolution, genesis, custom, product, commodity, strategy, landscape, doctrine, gameplay, situational awareness, strategic positioning, technology radar

**Use this skill when:**

- Making technology investment decisions
- Evaluating build vs. buy vs. outsource
- Understanding competitive positioning
- Planning technology evolution strategy
- Communicating architecture strategy to stakeholders
- Identifying strategic opportunities and threats
- Deciding where to focus innovation efforts

## What is Wardley Mapping?

Wardley Mapping, created by Simon Wardley, provides situational awareness for strategic decision-making by visualizing:

1. **Value Chain**: Components needed to meet user needs
2. **Evolution**: How components change over time
3. **Landscape**: The competitive environment
4. **Movement**: How the landscape changes

### The Map Structure

```text
                    EVOLUTION

        Genesis    Custom     Product    Commodity
           ↓          ↓          ↓          ↓
        ┌──────────────────────────────────────────┐
        │                                          │
Visible │   User Need ●                            │  ← Anchor
        │       │                                  │
        │       ↓                                  │
        │   Component A ●──────────→ ●             │
        │       │                                  │
        │       ↓                                  │
        │   Component B    ●                       │
        │       │                                  │
Hidden  │       ↓                                  │
        │   Component C              ●             │
        │       │                                  │
        │       ↓                                  │
        │   Component D