BMAD-METHOD/docs/models/models-guide.md

297 lines
9.1 KiB
Markdown

# 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-wds/)** - 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.*