SENIOR DIVISION ONLY!
- Learn about the different parts of a Lean Canvas
- Learn about ways to reach potential users of your app
- Make a plan for more people to use your app through different channels
- Plan and write the first section of your Lean Canvas
These are the activities for this lesson:
THE LEAN CANVAS
A lean canvas is a one-page tool that helps you organize your business idea. It’s especially useful in the early stages of planning, when your ideas are still forming and evolving. Instead of writing a long, detailed plan, you focus on just the most important parts like the problem you’re solving, who your customers are, and how your business will work.
It’s easy to fill out, simple to change, and grows with your ideas. It’s especially useful in the early stages of a startup, when your ideas are still taking shape and need flexibility to evolve. And because it’s clear and organized, it also helps you explain your business plan to others without getting lost in the details.
As you continue to build upon your ideas, revisit and refine your canvas often. It’s a living document that will help keep you focused as the ideas get bigger!
There’s a few variations of Lean Canvases out there. Below is Technovation’s version and one that we will be using.
You’ll see that it’s composed of 11 boxes, each one asking a different question about your business idea. You don’t need to know how to fill it out yet! For now, just take a look:
What are your first reactions to the canvas? Can you see how it could be easy to use? Is there a box that you think would be hard to fill in?
Don’t worry if some of these sound tricky right now. You’re not expected to know everything yet. The Lean Canvas is meant to help you figure it out as you go.
The Lean Canvas is also meant to be a living document, that will change as you test your ideas and get feedback.
WHY USE A LEAN CANVAS?
The Lean Canvas helps you get your idea out of your head and into the real world by focusing only on the most important pieces. Instead of writing pages of plans and details, you get to quickly map out your idea on one page.
This single-page format helps you keep your ideas clear and focused. This makes it easier not only for you to understand your own business but also to explain it quickly and clearly to others, like potential partners customers. The readability of the canvas also lets you more easily get feedback and support as you develop your idea. Plus, since it’s easy to update, the Lean Canvas grows with your business, helping you stay on track every step of the way.
Keep this idea of “focused” as we learn and fill out your canvas. Avoid overloading with details. Aim to input the most important and most impactful information in order to get the most out of this tool!
WHAT ARE THE PARTS OF TECHNOVATION'S LEAN CANVAS?
Let’s dive into what each part of the Lean Canvas is and why they’re important. We’ll also be including examples of each section that are inspired by EcoWear by Team Love Tech, a 2024 Technovation Finalist team.
What it Asks:
What problem or challenge are you trying to solve for your customers?
Why it Matters:
Your business should solve a real problem, something people notice and want fixed. If you don’t know the problem, it’s hard to create a good solution.
Example:
The fashion industry causes harm to the environment and often relies on unfair labor practices.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Identifying Problems.
What it Asks:
Who are the people most affected by the problem? Who are the specific customers you want to reach?
Why it Matters:
Focusing on a clear target market helps you design your product and marketing to meet their needs effectively.
Example:
Individuals aged 10–26 who are open to buying used clothes, want to discover new thrift stores, or feel guilty about shopping for fast fashion.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Market Research.
What it Asks:
How will your business solve the problem? What product or service will you offer?
Why it Matters:
Your solution should directly address the problem in a simple and clear way. A good solution meets the needs of your community and makes their lives easier.
Example:
An app that helps people shop sustainably by connecting them with eco-friendly brands and thrift stores nearby or online.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Identifying Solutions.
What it Asks:
What other options do customers have now to solve this problem?
Why it Matters:
Knowing alternatives helps you understand your competition and find ways to offer something better or different.
Example:
Customers might shop at regular fast-fashion stores, browse general thrift shops without sustainability focus, or use apps that don’t offer personalized sustainable options. Some real life examples include Shein or Forever 21.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Market Research.
What it Asks:
What makes your business special or different from others? Why should customers choose you?
Why it Matters:
Your unique value helps you stand out and attracts customers by offering something they can’t get elsewhere.
Example:
EcoWear combines sustainable shopping with a fun, personalized experience by matching users to eco-friendly brands that fit their style and budget, plus a virtual dress-up game that makes sustainable fashion exciting.
What it Asks:
Who are the first people most likely to use your product or service?
Why it Matters:
Early adopters provide important feedback and help spread the word about your business.
Example:
Students and peers who are passionate about sustainable fashion and enjoy discovering thrift stores and eco-friendly brands.
Additional Resources:
Check out the section on early adopters below for more guidance.
What it Asks:
What methods will you use to reach your target customers, and how will you make sure these efforts can be repeated and measured?
Why it Matters:
Good outreach helps you connect with your audience, spread the word, and grow your customer base. Being able to repeat and measure your outreach efforts lets you know what works best.
Example:
Local events, partnerships with thrift stores, social media campaigns with influencers, and referral programs. Tracking downloads and engagement to measure success.
Additional Resources:
Check out the section on early adopters and outreach below for more guidance:
What it Asks:
How will your business make money?
Why it Matters:
Knowing your revenue streams ensures your business can cover costs and grow sustainably.
Example:
Affiliate commissions on purchases made through the app’s catalog, including collaborations on exclusive clothing items in the Dress Up & Shop game.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Business Model and Financial Planning.
What it Asks:
What are the main costs involved in running your business?
Why it Matters:
Understanding your costs helps you plan your budget and set prices that keep your business sustainable. Remember: costs come in different forms. Some are one time startup expenses, like buying equipment, while others are recurring, like monthly advertising or employee wages.
Example:
App store registration fees, influencer partnerships, online ads like Google Ads, coupons for the referral program, and newsletter hosting.
Additional Resources:
Check out this Technovation lesson for more guidance: Business Model and Financial Planning.
What it Asks:
What numbers will you track to see if your business is succeeding?
Why it Matters:
Key metrics help you measure progress and understand what’s working or needs improvement.
Example:
Number of app downloads, active users, sustainable purchases made through the app, etc.
What it Asks:
What have you learned from talking to customers or other business professionals? How did you integrate the feedback? For this project, you’re also required to solicit feedback from an entrepreneur or business professional from your community. Add what they have to say and your actions in this section.
Why it Matters:
Feedback shows whether your solution is meeting real needs or if you need to make changes. Listening to users helps your business grow stronger and better.
Example:
Early users told us they love the virtual dress-up game but want more local thrift store options added to the app.
USERS
You’ve decided on the problem you will solve, and you most likely have a proposed solution. As you start to work on the parts of the Lean Canvas, let’s start with perhaps the most important part of your project, your users.
You could create an awesome product that solves a really important problem, but your business will not be successful if no one knows about or uses your product.
You know who your users are already from your Unit 3 Market Research work!
In this lesson, you will create a plan for repeatable, measurable ways to get your idea in front of users.
EARLY ADOPTERS
Early adopters are those people who are already looking for solutions to the problem you are solving. They would be more willing to try out new and unproven products. They are also usually willing to provide feedback as you build your project. Early adopters are your first target for getting people to use your product and to get the word out.
You really need to start with the question: Who really needs this now, and where can I find them?”
Here are some strategies that are effective to identifying and reaching early adopters.
Direct Outreach
Nothing is more effective with early adopters than directly contacting them and explaining what your solution can offer.
You can reach out via email, phone calls, or meet in person. Early adopters are actively seeking solutions, so they should be willing to listen to your pitch.
Word of Mouth
Word of Mouth Marketing (WOMM) is often the best way to get people to try your product.
92% of Nielsen-surveyed consumers believe their friends and family over any kind of advertising.
(Source: https://blog.hubspot.com/agency/how-online-word-of-mouth-marketing-is-changing)
And early adopters are often influential in then getting other people to try your product.
Getting Started
- Use your friends and family to spread the word.
- Encourage them to talk about your app.
- Use your local connections to help identify early adopters.
- If you know an important figure or influencer, ask them to speak on behalf of your app.
Social Media
Social media is a great way to find and communicate with early adopters.
Very often people who are dealing with a particular problem might post about it on social media. They might also form social media groups to discuss issues.
Getting Started
- Search for TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook groups about the problem you are solving.
- Ask to join the group.
- Post about your project and ask who might be interested in trying it out and providing feedback.
- Another option is to post about your solution and what problem it solves.
- Ask people to share your post with their networks.
Partnering with Organizations
If you haven’t already, look for organizations in your community that are trying to solve the same problem as your project. The organization most likely has members or clients they work with who would be willing to try out your app. They can also provide feedback during development!
Getting Started
- List organizations or groups in your community or region that are tackling the same problem as your team.
- Email or phone each organization.
- include a short description of your project.
- ask to work with them to solve the problem together.
- If they do not respond to email, try phoning them to talk directly to a person within the organization.
ACTIVITY 1: USER OUTREACH
Set outreach goals and strategies
- List 2-3 user goals for your app or business.
- Choose 1 or 2 outreach strategies and try them out.
ACTIVITY 2: FILL IN PART OF YOUR LEAN CANVAS
Fill in the just following boxes of your Lean Canvas
Note you should make a copy of the worksheet and edit as needed.
- Problem
- Target Market
- Solution
- Existing Alternatives
- Unique Value Proposition
- Early Adopters
- Outreach
You will fill out the remainder of the Lean Canvas in Unit 8. Remember to come back and update the canvas as your go through your journey.
REFLECTION
Now that you’ve been introduced to the Lean Canvas, take a moment to reflect on what you’ve learned and how it applies to your own ideas:
REVIEW OF KEY TERMS
- Lean Canvas – a one-page business planning tool used to organize and communicate the core ideas of a project. It includes key sections such as the problem, solution, target audience, and revenue model, helping entrepreneurs quickly outline and refine their ideas.
- Marketing – the process of telling people about your business and getting them to use your product
- Strategy – how you will get users to try your app so that you can meet your goals
- Metrics – whether or not your strategy is working
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Here’s a video showing how to apply Uber to the Lean Canvas tool. Remember that the boxes you see in the video are not entirely the same as the ones we provided for your Technovation project.
