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      Lean Canvas Brainstorm

      An IdeaScale Whiteboard facilitator guide for Lean Canvas Brainstorm

      This IdeaScale Whiteboard will be our collaborative space for creating a Lean Canvas. We'll use its features to define and connect the core elements of the business model, as shown in the provided image.


      Brainstorming Objectives:

      • To develop a concise and actionable business model for a new or existing venture.
      • To identify key assumptions and prioritize areas for validation.
      • To use the whiteboard to visually represent and iterate on the Lean Canvas.

      Timing: 90 minutes

      Introduction - 15 Minutes

      Brainstorming Instructions - 60 minutes

      Adjourn - 15 Minutes

      Tips for Facilitators

      Introduction (15 minutes)


      • Welcome participants and introduce the concept of the Lean Canvas.
      • Explain the components of the Lean Canvas, as shown in the image:
        • Problem: Identify the main problems your customers face. Focus on the top three issues they need solved.
        • Customer Segments: Describe the specific groups of people or businesses you're targeting. These are the users who will benefit most from your solution.
        • Unique Value Proposition: Clearly state what makes your product different and why customers should choose it.
        • Solution: Outline how your product addresses each of the key problems. This section should provide a simple overview of your solution.
        • Channels: List the ways you'll reach your customers, such as social media, partnerships, or direct sales.
        • Revenue Streams: Describe how your business will make money from this solution. Include all potential sources of income.
        • Cost Structure: Outline the main costs involved in running your business, such as production, marketing, or staffing.
        • Key Metrics: Define the key numbers that show whether your business is succeeding, like user growth or revenue.
        • Unfair Advantage: Identify any unique elements that give your business a competitive edge.
      • Explain how to use the digital sticky notes and whiteboard sections to capture information for each Lean Canvas element.
      • Clearly state the business or project that will be analyzed using the Lean Canvas.

      Brainstorming Instructions (60 minutes)

      • Activity 1: Problem, Customer Segments, and Unique Value Proposition (25 minutes):
        • Begin by focusing on the Problem. Guide participants to identify the top problems faced by the target customers.
        • Then, move to Customer Segments. Define the specific groups of people or businesses being targeted.
        • Next, work on the Unique Value Proposition. Clearly articulate what makes the offering different and compelling to the customer.
        • Use digital sticky notes to capture information in the corresponding sections on the whiteboard.
      • Activity 2: Solution, Channels, and Revenue Streams (20 minutes):
        • Shift the focus to the Solution. Outline the product or service and how it addresses the identified problems.
        • Then, define Channels. List the ways the business will reach and deliver value to customers.
        • Next, determine the Revenue Streams. Describe how the business will generate income.
        • Use digital sticky notes to capture information in the respective sections on the whiteboard.

      • Activity 3: Cost Structure, Key Metrics, and Unfair Advantage (15 minutes):
        • Conclude by defining the Cost Structure. Outline the major expenses involved in the business.
        • Then, identify Key Metrics. Determine the important measures of success for the business.
        • Finally, define the Unfair Advantage. Identify any unique elements that provide a competitive edge.
        • Use digital sticky notes to capture information in the corresponding sections on the whiteboard.

      Adjourn (15 minutes)

      • Summarize the completed Lean Canvas, highlighting the key elements of the business model.
      • Discuss the next steps for validating assumptions and iterating on the canvas.
      • Capture the final Lean Canvas on the whiteboard and distribute it to participants.
      • Thank participants for their contributions.

      Tips for Facilitators

      • Encourage participants to be concise and focus on the most important information for each section.
      • Promote a discussion that challenges assumptions and explores different perspectives.
      • Use the digital whiteboard to visually organize the Lean Canvas and its components.
      • Facilitate the process to ensure all sections are completed and the connections between them are explored.
      • Emphasize the iterative nature of the Lean Canvas and the importance of continuous improvement.