# TBM 434: How Maps Can Hide Problems

DevFeed: [TBM 434: How Maps Can Hide Problems](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/tbm-434-how-maps-can-hide-problems-40060.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://cutlefish.substack.com/p/tbm-434-how-maps-can-hide-problems>)

Author: John Cutler

Published: 2026-08-01T09:13:07Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [The Beautiful Mess](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/the-beautiful-mess.md>)

Topics: [context](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/context.md>), [structure](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/structure.md>)

Tags: [design](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/design.md>), [mapping](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/mapping.md>), [maps](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/maps.md>), [organizations](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/organizations.md>), [ownership](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ownership.md>), [problems](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/problems.md>), [product](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/product.md>), [reporting](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/reporting.md>), [silos](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/silos.md>), [structure](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/structure.md>), [technology](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/technology.md>)

## AI overview

The article argues that organizational maps can conceal incoherence when strategy, structure, technology, incentives, goals, ownership, teams, and funding do not align. It contrasts coherent organizations, where context transfers across map layers, with incoherent organizations, where people must repeatedly reorient and translate.

## Source excerpt

If what you are mapping is incoherent, don't fall in love with the map (or your personal ability to navigate with it).