Creating Your Own Technology Radar

Inspired by Thoughtworks' Technology Radar, this guide will help you understand the structure and purpose of a tech radar and how you can create one tailored to your organization's needs.

What is a Technology Radar?

A Technology Radar is a visual representation of the changes and trends in software development that an organization finds interesting or noteworthy. It's an opinionated guide, reflecting the collective experiences and insights of senior technologists.

Structure of the Radar

1. Blips: These are the technologies or techniques that play a role in software development. They are items that are 'in motion', meaning their position on the Radar might change over time based on increasing confidence or experiences.

2. Quadrants: The Radar is divided into four quadrants, each representing different kinds of blips:

   • Programming Languages and Frameworks: Initially, this was just languages, but frameworks were included starting from the October 2012 Radar.
   • Tools: These can range from databases, software development tools like version control systems, or more generic categories of tools.
   • Platforms: These are the bases on which we build software, such as mobile technologies, virtual platforms, or generic platforms like hybrid clouds.
   • Techniques: This includes elements of a software development process and ways of structuring software.

3. Rings: The Radar has four rings indicating the stage of adoption:

   • Adopt: Technologies that are proven and mature for use.
   • Trial: Technologies that are ready for use but not as proven as those in the Adopt ring.
   • Assess: Things to look at closely but not necessarily trial yet.
   • Hold: Technologies that might be accepted in the industry but have not provided a good experience.

Building the Radar

1. Gathering Input: Before building the Radar, gather opinions and insights from various sources, both inside and outside your organization.
2. Discussion: Meet (preferably face-to-face) to discuss the Radar. Decide which blips to include, which rings they fall into, and what to say about them.
3. Placement: Place candidate blips in their suggested quadrant and ring. Discuss and decide the final placement.

FAQs

• Why might a technology not appear on the Radar? It could be because no one has come across it, it's not found interesting enough, or it was discussed in a past Radar and there's nothing new to say about it.

• How do blips change? Blips can move between rings, explode into different elements, or coalesce into one. The position of a blip inside its quadrant and ring can also signify increasing confidence in its potential.

• Is the Radar a list of approved technologies? No, the Radar captures things that are moving. There are many technologies that are settled and have earned their place but aren't on the Radar.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Thoughtworks Technology Radar FAQ.