Resources

Everything you need to master Wardley Mapping - FAQs, tools, and additional resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Wardley Mapping

How do I get started with Wardley Mapping?

Start with our Wardley Mapping 101 guide to learn the fundamentals, then practice with simple examples from your own experience. Focus on one user need and build your map step by step.

Getting Started•Featured•Read more →

Is Wardley Mapping free?

Yes—Wardley Mapping is free. Simon Wardley shared his writings under Creative Commons. But the ideas themselves aren’t owned, mapping has no fixed definition, and the framework references third-party knowledge.

General•Read more →

What is Wardley Mapping?

Wardley Mapping is a strategic thinking technique that helps organizations understand their environment, identify upcoming changes, and choose the best actions. It involves creating visual maps that plot components of a value chain against an evolution axis, from 'genesis' (new and uncertain) to 'commodity' (well-established and standardized). This situational awareness enables better strategic decision-making by showing where you are, where you're going, and how to navigate the landscape effectively.

Fundamentals•Featured•Read more →

Who is Simon Wardley?

Simon Wardley is a British strategist, researcher, and the creator of Wardley Mapping. With a background in genetics, mathematics, and economics, he developed the Wardley Mapping framework in 2005 while working as CEO at Fotango. He's now a researcher at DXC's Leading Edge Forum, advising corporations and governments on strategic thinking.

People•Read more →

Strategy Reading List

Essential books and articles about strategy, recommended by the Wardley Mapping community

Essential Strategy Literature

Curated reading list of 29 essential strategy books and articles

From Simon Wardley's foundational work to classic strategy texts by Porter, Mintzberg, and others. Each book includes a brief description and direct links to purchase or read online.

29 books•Multiple categories•Browse reading list →

Mapping Tools

Recommended tools and software for creating Wardley Maps

Your Head

As cliché as it sounds, mapping starts in your mind with the realization that every story you think of contains users, needs, and some components.

These components can be analyzed for maturity or dependencies. Many people claim they map in their heads.

Pros:

• you can use it everywhere
• no weird looks from anyone

Cons:

• it might be hard to capture more complex situations
• very prone to bias

Solo Mapping: Pen & Paper

Any notepad will do. It is actually quite a tradition to start with a napkin.

Pros:

• you can capture more complex environment
• very satisfying
• paper is patient and does not frown - good for starting

Cons:

• editing is a nightmare - you often need to start from scratch (really)
• prone to bias - you know what you know, and if your knowledge was perfect, you would not have to map at all