Evolution axis

As explained in Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure

An evolution axis is the horizontal dimension of a Wardley map that represents how standardized or mature a component is.

The evolution axis is the horizontal dimension of a Wardley map. It positions components according to how standardized or mature they are, helping a map show their evolutionary state. section 5.2

Use the axis while creating a Wardley map:

• Define the map’s purpose and scope before positioning components. section 5.2
• Identify users, their needs, and the value chains built from components. section 5.2
• Map each component along the evolution axis to complete the Wardley map. section 5.2

Online food delivery

A macro-level map for an online food delivery marketplace identifies customers, restaurants, and riders before placing its components along the evolution axis. section 5.2

Figure 5.7 Step 6 of the Wardley Mapping Canvas, a Wardley Map

Inspect the completed Wardley Mapping Canvas output to see how components appear on the evolution axis. section 5.2

How Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure covers it

How deep it goes

Defines component placement within a six-step mapping process but does not detail maturity stages or movement along the axis.

Examples

Uses an online food delivery marketplace and a Wardley Mapping Canvas to demonstrate map construction.

What you can do after

Apply it via a Wardley Mapping Canvas to place components and complete a landscape map.

How it connects

Connects Wardley maps with components, value chains, user needs, scope, and modernization journeys.

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Related concepts

• Wardley Mappingpart of · Wardley Mapping is a visual strategy technique that maps user needs and supporting components in a value chain and positions them by evolutionary maturity.

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Architecture Modernization: Socio-technical alignment of software, strategy, and structure. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.