# Strategic Design Models

Foundational frameworks from thought leaders that inform WDS methodology.

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## What This Folder Contains

**Models** are external frameworks created by industry pioneers. These are NOT Whiteport inventions - they're time-tested approaches we've adapted and integrated into our methods.

Each model includes:
- What it is and why it matters
- Full attribution to original creators
- Source materials (books, articles, videos)
- How WDS methods harness it
- Practical examples and applications

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## Available Models

### [Customer Awareness Cycle](./customer-awareness-cycle.md)

**By:** Eugene Schwartz (1966)  
**Core Idea:** Meet users where they are in their awareness journey (Unaware → Problem Aware → Solution Aware → Product Aware → Most Aware)

**Applied in WDS:**
- Scenario definition (where user starts/ends)
- Content strategy (matching depth to awareness)
- Messaging hierarchy

**When to Use:** Positioning content, defining scenario goals, structuring communication

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### [Impact/Effect Mapping](./impact-effect-mapping.md)

**By:** Mijo Balic & Ingrid Domingues (inUse), popularized by Gojko Adzic  
**Core Idea:** Visual strategic planning connecting business goals → actors → behavioral impacts → deliverables

**Applied in WDS:**
- Trigger Mapping (Whiteport's enhanced adaptation)
- Value Trigger Chains (lightweight version)
- Strategic alignment from why to what

**When to Use:** Strategic planning, feature prioritization, aligning team on goals

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### [Golden Circle](./golden-circle.md)

**By:** Simon Sinek (2009)  
**Core Idea:** Inspire action by communicating WHY → HOW → WHAT (inside-out), not outside-in

**Applied in WDS:**
- Product Brief discovery conversations
- Messaging hierarchy and positioning
- Stakeholder alignment
- Content structure

**When to Use:** Defining product purpose, structuring communication, conducting discovery

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### [SMART Method](./smart-goals-model.md)

**By:** George T. Doran (1981)  
**Core Idea:** A framework for expressing measurable, achievable objectives using five criteria: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

**Applied in WDS:**  
Used in Trigger Mapping Workshop 1 to transform vision (visionary statements) into strategic objectives. Ensures business objectives are measurable and trackable.

**When to use it:** When defining strategic objectives that need to be measurable and actionable.

**Reference:** [SMART Method Reference](smart-goals-model.md)

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### [Action Mapping](./action-mapping.md)

**By:** Cathy Moore (2008+)  
**Core Idea:** Focus on what people DO (actions), not what they KNOW (information). Design practice, not presentations.

**Applied in WDS:**
- Scenario design (action-oriented)
- Onboarding flows (guided practice)
- Help documentation (task-focused)
- Component specifications (enabling action)

**When to Use:** Designing scenarios, onboarding, help systems, any behavior change context

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### [Kathy Sierra Badass Users](./kathy-sierra-badass-users.md)

**By:** Kathy Sierra (2000s-2015)
**Core Idea:** Don't make a better product. Make users better at what they want to do. Focus on user capability.

**Applied in WDS:**
- Component design (making users feel capable)
- Microcopy (building confidence, not just informing)
- Interaction patterns (reducing cognitive load)
- Success/error messaging (celebrating/guiding)

**When to Use:** Any design decision - always ask "Does this make the user feel capable?"

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### [Getting Things Done (GTD)](./gtd-getting-things-done.md)

**By:** David Allen (2001)
**Core Idea:** Your mind is for having ideas, not holding them. Capture everything, then process and act systematically.

**Applied in WDS:**
- **2-Minute Rule:** If it takes < 2 minutes, do it now (don't plan trivial tasks)
- Agent Dialogs as capture system (externalize all ideas)
- Change Requests as "Someday/Maybe" list
- Session Start Protocol as weekly review concept

**When to Use:** Deciding whether to plan or act, managing task complexity, avoiding planning overhead

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## Models vs. Methods

### Models (This Folder)

**What:** External frameworks from thought leaders  
**Purpose:** Foundational knowledge  
**Attribution:** Full credit to original creators  
**Content:** What it is, why it matters, how to use it  
**Location:** `docs/models/`

### Methods (Method Folder)

**What:** Whiteport's instruments and processes  
**Purpose:** Practical application  
**Attribution:** Derived from models (with credit)  
**Content:** Step-by-step how-to, integration into WDS  
**Location:** `docs/method/`

**Example:**
- **Model:** Impact/Effect Mapping (Adzic/inUse)
- **Method:** Trigger Mapping (Whiteport's adaptation)

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## How These Models Work Together

### In Product Discovery

**Golden Circle** → Structure discovery conversations (WHY → HOW → WHAT)  
**Impact/Effect Mapping** → Map strategic connections  
**Customer Awareness** → Position target users

**Result:** Product Brief with purpose, strategy, and positioning

### In Trigger Mapping

**Impact/Effect Mapping** → Core structure (Goals → Users → Impacts)  
**Customer Awareness** → Add awareness positioning  
**Golden Circle** → Understand user's WHY (driving forces)

**Result:** Trigger Map connecting business goals to user psychology

### In Scenario Design

**Action Mapping** → Focus on what users DO  
**Customer Awareness** → Define awareness progression  
**Kathy Sierra** → Make users feel capable

**Result:** Scenarios that change behavior and build confidence

### In Component Design

**Kathy Sierra** → User capability focus  
**Action Mapping** → Enable action, not just display  
**Customer Awareness** → Match content depth to user

**Result:** Components that make users feel awesome

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## Using These Models

### 1. Learn the Model

Read the model guide to understand:
- Core concepts
- Why it was created
- How it works

### 2. See WDS Application

Each model guide shows how Whiteport methods harness it. Follow those links to see practical integration.

### 3. Apply in Your Work

Use the templates and examples to apply the model in your projects.

### 4. Combine Multiple Models

Most powerful when used together. Each model addresses different aspects of strategic design.

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## Recommended Reading Order

### For Beginners

1. **Golden Circle** - Easiest to grasp, immediately applicable
2. **Customer Awareness Cycle** - Changes how you see content
3. **Action Mapping** - Shifts focus to behavior
4. **Kathy Sierra Principles** - Deepens UX thinking
5. **Impact/Effect Mapping** - Strategic planning foundation

### For Strategic Planning

1. **Impact/Effect Mapping** - Core strategic framework
2. **Golden Circle** - Purpose and communication
3. **Customer Awareness Cycle** - User positioning

### For UX Design

1. **Kathy Sierra Principles** - User capability focus
2. **Action Mapping** - Behavior over information
3. **Customer Awareness Cycle** - Content depth matching

### For Content Creation

1. **Customer Awareness Cycle** - Positioning content
2. **Golden Circle** - Structure and hierarchy
3. **Kathy Sierra Principles** - Building confidence

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## Attribution and Gratitude

These models represent decades of insight from brilliant thinkers who've shaped how we approach design and strategy:

- **Eugene Schwartz** - Understanding awareness and positioning
- **Mijo Balic & Ingrid Domingues** - Connecting goals to user behavior
- **Gojko Adzic** - Making strategic planning accessible
- **Simon Sinek** - Teaching us to start with WHY
- **David Allen** - Systematic productivity and the 2-minute rule
- **George T. Doran** - Creating measurable, achievable objectives
- **Cathy Moore** - Focusing on action over information
- **Kathy Sierra** - Championing user capability

**Whiteport stands on the shoulders of giants. We're grateful for their contributions to the field.**

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## Contributing to This Collection

Have a model you think should be included? Consider these criteria:

**Inclusion Criteria:**
- External (not created by Whiteport)
- Well-documented by original creator
- Time-tested (proven over years)
- Applicable to strategic design
- Influences WDS methodology
- Proper attribution possible

**Doesn't Include:**
- Whiteport-created methods (those go in `method/`)
- Temporary trends or fads
- Frameworks without clear attribution
- Overly niche or specialized concepts

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## External Resources

Want to dive deeper? Each model guide includes books, articles, videos, and websites from the original creators. Start there for comprehensive understanding.

**Quick Links:**
- [ImpactMapping.org](https://www.impactmapping.org) - Impact Mapping resources
- [Blog.Cathy-Moore.com](https://blog.cathy-moore.com) - Action Mapping blog
- [SimonSinek.com](https://simonsinek.com) - Golden Circle resources
- Eugene Schwartz's "Breakthrough Advertising" (book)
- Kathy Sierra's "Badass: Making Users Awesome" (book)

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## Related Documentation

- **[WDS Method Guides](../method/)** - How Whiteport applies these models
- **[Learn WDS Course](../learn-wds/)** - Step-by-step learning path
- **[Examples](../examples/)** - See models in action
- **[Getting Started](../getting-started/)** - Quick start with WDS

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*Strategic Design Models - Standing on the shoulders of giants.*

