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.