Wardley Mapping is Simon Wardley’s visual approach to strategy. A map places components on a value chain that runs down from user needs and along an evolution axis from Genesis through Custom and Product to Commodity. Reading how components move, together with climatic patterns, gameplay patterns, and doctrine, builds situational awareness and informs decisions such as build, buy, or partner.

Wardley Mapping

Details

Core Concepts:

Value chain

Map components from user needs down

Evolution axis

Genesis → Custom → Product → Commodity

Movement

Components naturally evolve over time

Situational awareness

Understanding the landscape before deciding

Gameplay patterns

Common strategic moves

Climatic patterns

Forces that affect all players

Doctrine

Universal principles of good strategy

Inertia

Resistance to change in organizations

Strategic planning

Visual approach to strategy

Build-Buy-Partner decisions

Based on evolution stage

Key Proponent

Simon Wardley

When to Use:

  • Strategic technology planning

  • Build vs. buy decisions

  • Understanding competitive landscape

  • Communicating strategy visually

  • Identifying opportunities for disruption