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wardley

Create Wardley Maps of value chains with evolution stages and strategic gameplay options.

Updated May 31, 2026
Search Tags:#strategy#prioritization#product strategy#gameplay#value chain#wardley mapping#evolution stages
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ithaloazevedo/pm-loadout --skill wardley-ithaloazevedo
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: wardley
Source: https://github.com/ithaloazevedo/pm-loadout/tree/main/.agents/skills/wardley
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ithaloazevedo/pm-loadout --skill wardley-ithaloazevedo

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve? Product teams often lack a shared visual model of their value chain, making it hard to decide what to build, buy, or commoditize. This Skill structures strategic thinking by mapping user needs, components, and their evolution stages. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Value Chain Mapping: Identify the user, their needs, and the components required to serve them, drawn as a top-down dependency chain. - Evolution Assessment: Classify each component as Genesis, Custom, Product, or Commodity, with matching strategies for each stage. - Strategic Gameplay: Apply Wardley doctrines such as open sourcing, ILC (Innovate-Leverage-Commoditize), ecosystem plays, and tower-and-moat defensibility. - Use Case: A PM evaluating whether to build an in-house recommendation engine maps the value chain, sees recommendations sit in the Product stage, and decides to buy a vendor solution instead of building custom. ## Quick Start Ask the assistant to create a Wardley Map for your product by describing your target user and their top needs.

Frequently Asked Questions about wardley

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I create a Wardley Map for my product?▼

Start by identifying the user and their needs at the top of the map, then list the components required to serve those needs as a top-down dependency chain. Finally, assess each component's evolution stage and mark movement with arrows.

What are the four evolution stages in Wardley Mapping?▼

The stages are Genesis (novel, uncertain), Custom (bespoke builds), Product (standardized, feature competition), and Commodity (utility, cost competition). Each stage implies a different strategy, from exploring in Genesis to consuming as a service in Commodity.

How does Wardley Mapping connect to Cynefin and OST frameworks?▼

Evolution stages map to Cynefin domains: Genesis components fit the Complex domain requiring probes, while Commodity components fit the Clear domain using best practices. User needs at the top of the map correspond to Opportunity Solution Tree outcomes.

When should I build versus buy a component on a Wardley Map?▼

Build or partner for components in Genesis or Custom stages where differentiation matters. Buy or consume as a service for Product and Commodity stage components, since building custom what exists as a commodity is waste.

What strategic gameplay options does Wardley Mapping support?▼

The Skill covers open sourcing to accelerate commoditization, ILC (Innovate-Leverage-Commoditize), ecosystem plays that commoditize lower platform layers, and tower-and-moat investment in defensibility.

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