# Strategic Design Models Foundational frameworks from thought leaders that inform WDS methodology. --- ## 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 --- ## 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 --- ### [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) - Strategic alignment from why to what **When to Use:** Strategic planning, feature prioritization, aligning team on goals --- ### [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 --- ### [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) --- ### [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 --- ### [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?" --- ### [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 --- ## 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) --- ## 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 --- ## 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. --- ## 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 --- ## 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.** --- ## 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 --- ## 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) --- ## Related Documentation - **[WDS Method Guides](../method/)** - How Whiteport applies these models - **[Learn WDS Course](../learn/)** - Step-by-step learning path - **[Examples](../examples/)** - See models in action - **[Getting Started](../getting-started/)** - Quick start with WDS --- *Strategic Design Models - Standing on the shoulders of giants.*