methodatlas
Session Builder

Plan my session

Plan a concrete work block with agenda, roles, preparation, and a copyable result artifact.

Method session3-4 h for first map, then 1-2 h per iterationWorkshop or asyncWardley Map

Session: Wardley Mapping

The plan translates the method into a concrete facilitated work block. Your inputs flow directly into the session brief and work artifact.

Derived automatically

Method session with 2-10. The plan uses the existing method logic and the runsheet.

Runsheet
Participation logic
Team round, shared work and alignment

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome logic
Finish artifact

The session works directly toward Wardley Map. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

  1. 1

    Phase 1: Anchor and users

    20-30 min

    Identify user groups and place their top needs as anchors in the upper right of the map. Several anchors allowed, but each needs its own chain. Hint: Anchors are user needs, not product names. Product names belong in the chain, not at the top.

    FacilitatorWardley Map
  2. 2

    Phase 2: Value chain

    45-60 min

    From anchor downward, derive components that fulfill the need. One card per component, positioned vertically by visibility. Hint: Components are capabilities or building blocks, not teams. If list maps to org chart, it is too organization-heavy.

    FacilitatorStrategic Options
  3. 3

    Phase 3: Classify evolution

    60-90 min

    Estimate evolution stage per component: Genesis, Custom-Built, Product, Commodity. Require market evidence. Hint: Evolution is not where we are, but where the market is. Own custom solution for commodity need must still be placed as commodity.

    FacilitatorEvolution Notes
  4. 4

    Phase 4: Movement and climate

    30-45 min

    Add movement arrows to the right per component based on market maturity and climate signals. Name climate patterns. Hint: Movement without evidence is assumption. Each arrow needs indicator: new provider, falling prices, open-source alternative.

    FacilitatorWardley Map
  5. 5

    Phase 5: Strategic moves

    30-45 min

    Derive options per movement: build, buy, outsource, pioneer, settle, town plan. Decide one to three moves for next 6 months. Hint: A map without a move is only beautiful inventory. Decider must be present.

    OwnerStrategic Options
  6. 6

    Publish artifact

    10 min

    Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients.

    OwnerWardley Map
Usable artifact

Session Brief

For invitations, boards, tickets, PR descriptions, or workshop notes.

session-brief.md

Session Brief: Wardley Mapping

Goal

Artifact: Wardley Map

Working Question

Which components of the value chain move toward commodity in the next 12-18 months, and which strategic moves follow?

Context

Strategy question; known anchor users and their needs; component inventory (make/buy/use); market analysis on component maturity; previous Wardley experience.

Setup

  • Format: Method session
  • Duration: 3-4 h for first map, then 1-2 h per iteration
  • Mode: Workshop or async
  • Participants: One facilitator with Wardley experience; two to five people with domain knowledge; one strategy owner with decision mandate; optional external sparring partner for bias check.
  • Owner: One facilitator with Wardley experience
  • Participation mode: Team round, shared work and alignment
  • Outcome logic: Finish artifact

Participation Logic

Use the session for shared understanding. Contributions are collected visibly, assumptions are aligned, and open differences remain traceable in the artifact.

Outcome Logic

The session works directly toward Wardley Map. After the session, the artifact should be shareable, reviewable, or reusable.

Input

Whiteboard or Miro with Wardley-map template (X-axis Evolution: Genesis, Custom-Built, Product, Commodity; Y-axis Value Chain Visibility); stickies; connecting lines; example maps.

Preparation

Y-axis upward means visible to users, downward invisible to users. X-axis evolution. Place anchor top right. Use consistent notation.

Agenda

  1. Phase 1: Anchor and users (20-30 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Identify user groups and place their top needs as anchors in the upper right of the map. Several anchors allowed, but each needs its own chain. Hint: Anchors are user needs, not product names. Product names belong in the chain, not at the top. Output: Wardley Map

  2. Phase 2: Value chain (45-60 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: From anchor downward, derive components that fulfill the need. One card per component, positioned vertically by visibility. Hint: Components are capabilities or building blocks, not teams. If list maps to org chart, it is too organization-heavy. Output: Strategic Options

  3. Phase 3: Classify evolution (60-90 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Estimate evolution stage per component: Genesis, Custom-Built, Product, Commodity. Require market evidence. Hint: Evolution is not where we are, but where the market is. Own custom solution for commodity need must still be placed as commodity. Output: Evolution Notes

  4. Phase 4: Movement and climate (30-45 min) Owner: Facilitator Action: Add movement arrows to the right per component based on market maturity and climate signals. Name climate patterns. Hint: Movement without evidence is assumption. Each arrow needs indicator: new provider, falling prices, open-source alternative. Output: Wardley Map

  5. Phase 5: Strategic moves (30-45 min) Owner: Owner Action: Derive options per movement: build, buy, outsource, pioneer, settle, town plan. Decide one to three moves for next 6 months. Hint: A map without a move is only beautiful inventory. Decider must be present. Output: Strategic Options

  6. Publish artifact (10 min) Owner: Owner Action: Check the artifact for completeness, define location, set version or status, and name review recipients. Output: Wardley Map

Closeout

  • Update result artifact: Wardley Map
  • Define location, version, and review recipients.
  • Define owner, next step, and review date.
Usable artifact

Work artifact

Pre-filled starting point based on the matching template.

work-artifact.md

Wardley Map: Wardley Mapping

Working Question

Which components of the value chain move toward commodity in the next 12-18 months, and which strategic moves follow?

Context

Strategy question; known anchor users and their needs; component inventory (make/buy/use); market analysis on component maturity; previous Wardley experience.

Participants

  • Owner: One facilitator with Wardley experience
  • Participants: One facilitator with Wardley experience; two to five people with domain knowledge; one strategy owner with decision mandate; optional external sparring partner for bias check.

Input

Whiteboard or Miro with Wardley-map template (X-axis Evolution: Genesis, Custom-Built, Product, Commodity; Y-axis Value Chain Visibility); stickies; connecting lines; example maps.

Template

Wardley Mapping Working Template

Context

What is this method used for?

Core question

Which question should be answered at the end?

Input

Which data, observations, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Area 1:
  • Area 2:
  • Area 3:
  • Relationships / patterns:

Output artifacts

  • Wardley Map:
  • Strategic Options:
  • Evolution Notes:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, success signal.

Completion Check

  • Wardley Map is complete enough for review:
  • Location:
  • Version / status:
  • Review by:
  • Next step:

Next Step

  • Review result
  • Mark open questions
  • Schedule review or decision
Template base

Wardley Mapping Working Template

View templateCompact working template for Wardley Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
canvas

wardley-mapping-working-template.md

Compact working template for Wardley Mapping with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.

Wardley Mapping Working Template

Context

What is this method used for?

Core question

Which question should be answered at the end?

Input

Which data, observations, or materials are available?

Working area

  • Area 1:
  • Area 2:
  • Area 3:
  • Relationships / patterns:

Output artifacts

  • Wardley Map:
  • Strategic Options:
  • Evolution Notes:

Open questions

  • ...

Next step

Owner, date, success signal.

Ready to use when
  • Working question, owner, and target artifact are visible.
  • The result fits Wardley Map.
  • Map per strategy question and date. Keep old version archived. Strategic moves receive IDs referenced in OKRs or roadmap.
  • Open questions are noted as follow-ups.
  • The next review or decision point is scheduled.
ProfileRunsheet