Show Me the Map! A Field Guide for Technical Architects
Details
In February we are welcoming back Andy Norton who will be delivering his talk "Show Me the Map! A Field Guide for Technical Architects"
Most of the hard problems in technology aren’t technical. They’re about context, awareness, and how to get people moving in the right direction, together. You can have great engineers and a solid tech stack, but without a shared view of the system, and a strategy that makes sense, even small changes can feel like wading through mud.
This talk is about learning to see what’s really going on. I’ll share what I’ve learned from scaling Cinch - an AWS case study in serverless-first modernisation - reshaping teams at Footasylum, featured as a Team Topologies case study, and helping grow Flipdish, Ireland’s fifth unicorn. Through these real-life examples, I’ll explain how mapping helps teams find clarity when everything feels complex.
We’ll look at EventStorming, Value Stream Mapping, and Wardley Mapping as ways to visualise flow, interactions, evolution, doctrine, and gameplay - the forces that shape how work actually gets done. You’ll see how maps help uncover the simple path forward and how to keep lighting it as you go.
This talk is practical, visual, and grounded in real experience. You’ll leave with a few maps worth drawing, a handful of ideas that stick, and a new habit: light the path, make a map, and keep moving.
Food
We have a selection of food available including Vegan options but if you'd like to know more please drop one of our organisers a message before the event via the group message forum. (https://secure.meetup.com/messages/)
If you would need assistance to leave the building in the event of an evacuation then please let us know via the group message forum. (https://secure.meetup.com/messages/)
Schedule
Doors open from 18:00
Pizza at 18:20
Intro and welcome 18:40
First Speaker Starts 19:00
Break 19:45
Second Speaker Starts 20:00
Close ~21:00 (Don't feel bad if you have to leave early for a train/bus/lift home - no one will be offended)
Live Steam Link
(Please like and subscribe to show your support)
https://youtube.com/live/7LaWZPBHw8A?feature=share
Travel
Train - James Street station is a 2-minute walk from the Lab. Liverpool Lime Street is approx 15-20 minutes walking distance.
Driving - Underground parking available.
Bicycle - Cycle rack available.
