Lean Six Sigma

Discover the Lean Canvas Methodology and develop the perfect plan for your business!

Learn more about the Lean Canvas methodology, its benefits for StartUps and how to put it into practice in your business!

Alicia Soares
Published on Mar 31, 2022
Discover the Lean Canvas Methodology and develop the perfect plan for your business! Photo: Freepik.

Do you have a dream to start a business but have doubts about how to start a startup? This situation is very common and, seeing this pattern, Ash Maurya, author of the best-seller Running Lean, created the Lean Canvas methodology.

Aligning the base structure of the Business Model Canvas and the concepts that developed the Lean Startup, the entrepreneurs focused on finding clear and objective paths through the Lean Canvas.

Do you want to know how this methodology can also make a difference in your company? Relax, here you will find the most important information about Lean Canvas through the following topics:

  • What is Lean Canvas?
  • How important is using Lean Canvas for a Startup?
  • What are the Lean Canvas focuses?
  • Differences between Lean Canvas and Canvas
  • Start your Lean Journey!

Don't waste your time and keep reading!


What is Lean Canvas?


Lean Canvas is a methodology used by startups to develop their business model. As a result, it brings more effectiveness to the process of creating and stable companies.

The main objective of Lean Canvas is to create a map that clearly shows how the solution offered by the startup connects with the problem that the target audience faces.

The methodology combines the analysis of key metrics and competitive advantages (unique value proposition) seeking to increase the revenue stream.

Visual management is very important for defining business ideas, helping to identify customer problems. TLSS has an article explaining the importance of Design Thinking for the success of your business.

In addition, the model also helps to understand the best management tools to be used. After all, these are part of the key points for the success of a business.


The Main Tools of Lean Six Sigma

Understand the main tools of this methodology and know how to apply it with excellence to increase productivity!


With this eBook The main tools of Lean Six Sigma you will understand the concept of Six Sigma, as well as a compilation of the main tools used by Belts in the application of each step of the DMAIC method.

These tools will help you to define, measure, analyze and propose solutions to problems that affect the performance of your company's organizational processes.

In this material, in addition to obtaining the definition of each of these tools, what they are used for, and how to use them, you will also find application tips using the Minitab software. So don't waste your time and download now!


The main tools of Lean Six Sigma

How important is using Lean Canvas for a startup?


Lean Canvas Template was custom designed for the startup model. After all, they have attributes in relation to established and traditional organizations.

Thus, Lean Canvas seeks to help the entrepreneur to understand what challenges he will face, what solution he will give to the client and how he will structure the entire process.

In addition, Lean Canvas goes through the discussion of the distribution channels to be used, the comparative advantages in relation to competitors and even the cost structure of infrastructure and production.

You can find out what the levels of Lean Belts are in this article and whether you should start with the White Belt or the next level.

You’ll find out the Lean Canvas blocks next!


What are the Lean Canvas blocks?


To understand the application of Lean Canvas, it is important to know the steps covered in the methodology. Therefore, we have prepared a compilation with the main points and examples of their possible answers.


1. Problem

This is the first block and it guides all the filling out of the Lean Canvas. At this point, it is essential that you list all the problems that your potential customers have and that you will seek to solve.


2. Customer segment

Once you understand the problem, you need to look for the customer segment that your company has the most affinity for serving. Normally, for each niche, different demands arise and, therefore, focusing can be the way to good service.


3. Value proposition

Also called a single value position, the value proposition is the summary of the benefits your startup will provide to the customer. Objectively, it is why the customer should seek your company.


4. Solution

Startups have very dynamic models and that is why the concept of MVP (minimum viable product) is essential for building the solution to be delivered, whether through products or services.

At this point, it's time to think about how to make the customer experience the closest to the ideal with the least amount of resources possible.


5. Channels

The channels area is one of the common pieces of information between the Business Model Canvas and the Lean Canvas.

It deals precisely with the means by which the company will contact the customer, both in communications to attract them and in the final delivery.


6. Revenue

In addition to all the points discussed above, it is also essential to understand what the revenue model will be. Define what will be the main product or service, its cost and price.

In addition, it is important to incorporate prospecting methods into the analysis, which can occur through offering free trial periods or more basic plans that do not incur charges to users.


7. Cost structure

In addition to thinking about revenues, it is time to understand the operating costs of the business, whether fixed or variable. You must list everything you have in general expenses.


8. Key metrics

Now is the time that the Lean Canvas leads those who are filling it to think strategically about action plans, which must be measured by metrics.

After all, a quantitative analysis helps in understanding whether the paths taken are effective or should be adjusted.


9. Unfair advantage

Finally, Lean Canvas has an unfair advantage as a block. Here, the biggest difference between your company and competitors is discussed, which makes it a reference in the market.

Now that you know what you need to fill in to use the Lean Canvas methodology, you might be wondering what the differences are between this model and the traditional Canvas. We made a comparison between the two below.


Differences between Lean Canvas and Canvas


The differences between Lean Canvas and traditional Canvas consist of exactly two points: the application and the filling blocks.

The Business Model Canvas, created by Alex Osterwalder, focuses on mature companies that seek new opportunities in their markets.

On the other hand, the Lean Canvas is ideal for startups to define their business model and outline action plans for hypothesis testing.

In addition, the two methodologies also differ in the strategic building blocks. The traditional Canvas has the areas of key partners, key activities, key resources and relationships.

However, in Lean Canvas, these blocks give way to the problem, solution, advantage and unfair advantage, respectively.


Differences between Lean Canvas and Business Model Canvas. Photo: Gary Fox


Start your Lean Journey!


If this article was useful to you, keep following us on the Think Lean Six Sigma Blog and our social media!

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that seeks to increase the profitability of companies through the improvement of their processes.

Thinking about you and your career, we, at Think Lean Six Sigma, created a FREE Yellow Belt training in Lean Six Sigma.In this training, we will introduce you to the DMAIC method and all its 5 steps, namely: "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

With this course, you will be able to develop small improvement projects within your area of expertise and work with Green Belts and Black Belts in support of the Lean Six Sigma program.

Have you ever thought about being the agent of change within your organization? Click on the image below for more information and become a Yellow Belt, for FREE!

Yellow Belt in Lean Six Sigma

Alicia Soares
Written by
Journalism student at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF). Content Writer at VAVEL UK. Experience in Institutional Communication at the UFJF Communication Department and …

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