Mapping Tools
From mental mapping to dedicated software - choose the right tool for your Wardley Mapping journey.
Choose Your Mapping Approach
Each tool has its strengths and trade-offs. Start simple and evolve as your needs grow.
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
Miro
Collaborative whiteboarding platform with mapping capabilities
Pros:
- • templates!
- • life-saving in remote environments
- • work well for solo and group mapping sessions
- • relatively affordable
- • you can include mapping in a part of a bigger process
Cons:
- • facilitation is harder than during in-person mapping sessions
- • people that you most need usually are not fluent with Miro & Mural handling
Web-based•Free tier available
MapKeep
The most advanced, dedicated tool for creating maps.
Pros:
- • mapping-aware editor
- • growing number of features
- • easy sharing & collaboration
Cons:
- • facilitation is harder than during in-person mapping sessions
- • people that you most need usually are not fluent with tools such as this one
Web-based•Dedicated mapping tool
Ready to Start Mapping?
Choose your tool and begin your Wardley Mapping journey today