Science is an organized and united army marching forward upon all fronts towards objectives none may measure or define.

Sir Winson Churchill

This is what a former British Prime Minister, Sir Winson Churchill, thought – not of the troops or supernatural forces – but science. In his 1931 writing, “Fifty Years From Now“, he made a reference to the nature of human development. After seeing the rapid rate of progression he stated that the past does not allow us to even vaguely predict the future. Today we know he couldn’t be more right.

What if, instead of sinking in internal conflict or spending way too much money on consulting services, companies could sketch out a model? A model that would get everyone on the same page and actually (and trustingly) ensure they’re making sound strategic decisions. Well, there is one. It brings the unpredictable future to a point-blank range. Let’s introduce you to The Wardley Map.

In a similar fashion, just 34 years and more than a few produced microchips later, Gordon E. Moore – a co-founder at Intel – observed an intriguing phenomenon. In his paper, he detailed an obvious pattern in computer hardware development – that of exponential growth. His research led him to understand that the number of transistors on a computer microchip doubled every two years. Today we know this as Moore’s Law. In the same way, computers are becoming more powerful and chips more compact, technology overall is spiraling upward at an everlasting pace.

In Net Group, we deal in other companies’ futures. It’s our job to make them a part of the exponential curve, not the backslide residue. We come across decisions, on a daily level, that greatly alter financial outcomes in a long run. From assessing our client’s state of affairs, and conducting research, to pinpointing the right technology to carry out future operations and bring home profitable results. That includes thinking 10 years ahead and not making educated guesses based on the past or online content.

If you sift through Google for help, what you’ll find will disappoint you. A quick answer to the question of “how to plan tech projects to withstand the test of time” – or something along the lines – will serve you dozens of repetitive answers… “3 Things That Made Amazon, Amazon”, “Two Pizza Rule”, “Winning with AI”, “SWOT Worship Rituals”, etc. For a serious business, it simply won’t suffice.

If you really want to predict the future and make the right technology calls, it is worth reverting to something a tad serious and tangible. One such method follows the research conducted by the British scientist, Simon Wardley. After witnessing consultancy mischiefs present across the IT industry, he coined a Wardley Map – an invaluable tool that helps model organizational development plans.

The map combines the classical, static components of strategy with fast-changing, dynamic components of technology – bridging the gap between what was considered stable and unpredictable aspects. The outcome? Clear vision and mission goals are communicated through a single ‘strategy map’ that can easily be understood by both top managers and tech engineers – giving everyone in the organization a strong sense of purpose and direction.

Here at Net Group, we utilize the Wardley Map to plan and implement our complex tech projects. Our clients tell us that the benefits of this method are evident; their futures are more predictable, their investments are well-justified, and they walk away from each project confident in its success.

If you have any further interest, please contact me: priit.kongo@netgroup.com

Additional sources:

• Fifty Years Hence – Winston Churchill (rolandanderson.se) 
• Moore’s law (Wikipedia)
• Simon Wardley
• Wardley map (Wikipedia)