ldy26098
/
BMAD-METHOD
mirror of https://github.com/bmad-code-org/BMAD-METHOD.git
1
0
Fork 0
Code Packages Projects Releases Wiki Activity
BMAD-METHOD/docs/models/models-guide.md

8.5 KiB
Raw Blame History

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

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

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

Golden Circle

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

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

Action Mapping

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

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?"

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
  • 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:

Related Documentation

Strategic Design Models - Standing on the shoulders of giants.