tools-only Business Model Frameworks
Design, visualize, and validate business models.
Quick Start
- Choose framework - Based on your situation
- Fill canvas - Use structured approach below
- Validate - Test assumptions with customers
- Iterate - Refine based on learning
Framework Selection
| Situation | Use This |
|---|---|
| Existing business - understand or optimize current model | Business Model Canvas |
| Startup/New idea - validate quickly, test assumptions | Lean Canvas |
| Product-market fit - ensure value matches customer needs | Value Proposition Canvas |
| Innovation - transform existing business | Business Model Canvas + Blue Ocean |
The Three Canvases
1. Business Model Canvas (BMC)
For established businesses or comprehensive business design.
Full details: references/business-model-canvas.md
┌─────────────┬────────────┬────────────┬────────────┬─────────────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ Key │ Key │ Value │ Customer │ Customer │
│ Partners │ Activities │Proposition │Relationships│ Segments │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ ├────────────┤ ├────────────┤ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Key │ │ Channels │ │
│ │ Resources │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
├─────────────┴────────────┴────────────┴────────────┴─────────────┤
│ │ │
│ Cost Structure │ Revenue Streams │
│ │ │
└──────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘
2. Lean Canvas
For startups and new ventures - focus on problem/solution fit.
Full details: references/lean-canvas.md
┌─────────────┬────────────┬────────────┬────────────┬─────────────┐
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ Problem │ Solution │ Unique │ Unfair │ Customer │
│ (Top 3) │ (Top 3) │ Value │ Advantage │ Segments │
│ │ │Proposition │ │ │
│ ├────────────┤ ├────────────┤ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
│ │ Key │ │ Channels │ │
│ │ Metrics │ │ │ │
│ │ │ │ │ │
├─────────────┴────────────┴────────────┴────────────┴─────────────┤
│ │ │
│ Cost Structure │ Revenue Streams │
│ │ │
└──────────────────────────┴────────────────────────────────────────┘
3. Value Proposition Canvas (VPC)
Zoom into Customer Segments + Value Proposition from BMC.
Full details: references/value-proposition-canvas.md
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ │
│ VALUE MAP CUSTOMER PROFILE │
│ ┌─────────────┐ ┌─────────────┐ │
│ │ Products │ │ Gains │ │
│ │ & Services │ │ │ │
│ ├─────────────┤ FIT? ├─────────────┤ │
│ │ Gain │ ◄──────────────► │ Jobs │ │
│ │ Creators │ │ (To Be Done)│ │
│ ├─────────────┤ ├─────────────┤ │
│ │ Pain │ │ Pains │ │
│ │ Relievers │ │ │ │
│ └─────────────┘ └─────────────┘ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Canvas Comparison
| Aspect | Business Model Canvas | Lean Canvas | Value Proposition Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creator | Osterwalder & Pigneur | Ash Maurya | Osterwalder |
| Focus | Comprehensive business model | Problem-solution validation | Product-market fit |
| Best for | Established business | Startups, new ideas | Deep customer understanding |
| Unique blocks | Partners, Relationships | Problem, Unfair Advantage | Gains, Pains, Jobs |
| Time to fill | 1-2 hours | 20-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
Workflow Recommendation
For New Business Idea
1. Lean Canvas (20 min)
↓
2. Value Proposition Canvas (for top segment)
↓
3. Customer interviews (validate)
↓
4. Iterate Lean Canvas
↓
5. Business Model Canvas (when scaling)
For Existing Business Innovation
1. Business Model Canvas (current state)
↓
2. Value Proposition Canvas (problem areas)
↓
3. Lean Canvas (for new initiatives)
↓
4. Business Model Canvas (future state)
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Starting with solution | Start with customer problems |
| One customer segment | Be specific, narrow first |
| Vague value proposition | Use customer's words |
| Untested assumptions | Validate with real customers |
| Static canvas | Update regularly |
| Working alone | Collaborate, get diverse input |
Output Template
When presenting canvas analysis:
## Business Model: [Name]
### Canvas Type: [BMC/Lean/VPC]
### Key Insights
1. [Most important finding]
2. [Second insight]
3. [Third insight]
### Riskiest Assumptions
1. [Assumption that could kill the business]
2. [Second risky assumption]
### Next Steps to Validate
- [ ] [Experiment 1]
- [ ] [Experiment 2]
- [ ] [Customer interview focus]
Related Skills (Optional)
| When | Suggest |
|---|---|
| Need strategic analysis (SWOT, Porter's) | /manage-business-strategy |
| Stuck, need structured thinking | /problem-solving - Polya, 5 Whys |
| Innovation breakthrough needed | /triz - contradiction solving |
| Need creative ideas for value prop | /generate-creative-ideas - divergent thinking |
Note: These skills are optional. Design-business-model works standalone for canvas design.