Lean Canvas - Capture your idea in 20 minutes versus 20 weeks

I have used the Lean Canvas since 2013 in my work with over 100+ startups and large enterprises. It is the first step in our engagement process (to understand our clients' business model and for our clients and us to establish a common language). During delivery, it is the a key part of the suite of tools we use to help founders and CxOs build, run, and grow a successful business.

Motivates elimination of biases and continuous validation of assumptions.

Lacks a domain-relevant knowledge database of "good questions to ask" in each part of the canvas.

Just as important, Leanstack continue to develop the tools and frameworks to help you use the Canvas as a centerpiece for lean iteration.

It's the best and fastest way to describe your business hypothesis—not just your solution.

UI can be a bit clunky at times.

I highly recommend "Running Lean" by Ash Maurya (the creator of this canvas and well-known expert and author in Lean Startup community). General: As Ash has noted this is a riff off the Business Model Canvas by Alexander Osterwalder et al. I like it and recommend the Lean Canvas at the start of startups or other ventures, as a good way to get started but to be honest find it a somewhat odd mix (as explained in cons). I also recommend it for simpler startup ideas, e.g. standalone mobile or web apps, that may not have more complex business model (e.g. partners). I recommend the Business Model Canvas for full Customer Development. A con with all these canvases is that they seem often to be used inappropriately, IMHO, as a way of reducing effort required. A "business model canvas" is supposed to be a sketch of hypotheses about the startup or venture that the team will then validate (or invalidate). Unfortunately, many startup teams seem to 1) put little effort into thinking about the hypotheses, and 2) treat the canvas like a business plan, write it and then ignore it and build the product/service anyways. At a minimum I recommend the PDF that Ash Maurya produced explaining how to fill-in the Lean Canvas (I think you can find it with Google).

Good for early thinking on a startup Includes prob and soln With Running Lean process Good for simpler web or mobile app bus

Purpose not clear Should focus on one custseg Prob & soln not part of bus model Missing parts of bus model High-level concept odd inclusion

Use it among other business modeling tools.

It mirrors your level of clarity about a business idea back to you, it helps you not to fool yourself.

It can lead you to throw away an idea too rapidly if it doesn't look good at first glance.

I used the lean-canvas and the New Business model canvas. Similar but the Lean canvas is more adequate to the startup or new business / Product

It's encouraging to ask right question when you think you know it all

Making the Canvas is one thing. But doing the right thing with it is an other

I've used it as a consultant, product owner, and CEO, and it has helped in every situation

Brings everyone together to define and understand the customer, product, market, and what success means

For internal teams, I suggest a modified, even "leaner" canvas

I find the Lean Canvas very useful when working with a client to quickly grasp their thinking and evolve it.

Simple, fast, iterative (versions and comments are very useful)

I wouldn't be so keen on the way the Traction Roadmap is presented.

I use Lean Canvas to improve my personal and business productivity. I find it useful to clarify my thinking. Also, I like to review my Canvas's to test my assumptions and recommendations.

Helps clarify thinking Helps create a reference point for teams Builds confidence for conversations with others

None - If you don't make it a habit to check your thinking, this is not a product for you.