What is a Wardley Map?
A Wardley map is a strategic tool to identify value chains, analyse the evolution of products, and helps strategic decisions (created by Simon Wardley).
You start by writing down value chains for a particular user need, then plot them on a chart.
On the Y axis you map how visible the item is to the user (e.g. a TV is visible, it requires electricity in its value chain, which is not visible).
On the X axis you map the evolution of the item from new/novel to commodity (even pushing further to utility) (you can also map this axis using the Knowledge Funnel evolution).
You then join the items up by their position in the value chain.
Change over time
The position of the items on the map are always in flux, either by your actions or by others - particularly on the X axis. For example extra supply in a market can force items towards being commodities.
This is similar to the Knowledge Funnel, over time knowledge causes items to go towards well known algorithms that can be cheaply operated (at which point a buy vs build can be discussed as it is a commodity.)
Team shape
The map can be used to determine team sizes and where they should operate - this is very similar to Clayton Christensen’s work. For example teams that need to be agile and fast are a unit, teams that deal with slower outsourcing are a separate unit so that they can behave differently.
Investment
Finally, you need to decide where to invest time and resources on the map.
This process then loops over and over again.