explore · Problem Solving, Strategy · 100–120 min · 3-6 people · medium energy

Experience Canvas

The Experience Canvas is a structured framework that guides teams in understanding customer needs and ensuring solutions are viable from a business perspective. It helps teams align on the problem, the customer, and the definition of success before diving into implementation.

When to use Experience Canvas

Use this method when tackling complex problems with multiple stakeholders and customer personas. It's particularly useful when you need to ensure your solution is user-centered, technically sound, and aligned with business goals.

What it solves

Lack of shared understanding about customer needs, misalignment between business goals and user experience, risk of delivering solutions that miss the mark.

How to run Experience Canvas, step by step

  1. Compile existing research and form a hypothesis about the problem you're trying to solve. (15 min)
  2. Draw the Experience Canvas on a whiteboard or create a digital version in a collaborative tool. (5 min)
  3. As a group, write your hypothesis at the top of the canvas. Systematically work through each section of the canvas, capturing ideas and insights on sticky notes. (90 min)
  4. Review and refine the canvas, adjusting previous entries based on new insights. (15 min)
  5. Identify and assign owners for the next steps required to deliver a Minimum Viable Experience (MVE) and test your hypothesis, including due dates. (5 min)

Materials needed

  • Whiteboard or digital whiteboard (Miro, Mural)
  • Markers or digital pens
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer
  • Research materials

Facilitator tips

  • Designate a facilitator to keep the activity moving and manage time effectively.
  • Encourage participants to challenge assumptions and offer diverse perspectives.
  • Remind the group to focus on high-level solutions and avoid getting bogged down in implementation details.

Common pitfalls

  • Trying to finalize the entire canvas in one session. Iterate over multiple sessions if needed.
  • Failing to assign clear owners and due dates for next steps. This can lead to the canvas becoming 'shelfware'.
  • Ignoring the perspectives of other teams or stakeholders. Consider the broader impact of your solution.

Variations

  • Use the canvas to explore different strategic hypotheses at the leadership level.
  • Adapt the canvas to focus on specific service problems that keep recurring.

Running it online or hybrid

Use a digital whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural to collaboratively build the canvas. Ensure all participants have access and are comfortable using the platform.

What it produces

A completed Experience Canvas outlining the problem, customer, proposed solutions, and success metrics.

Origin

Inspired by the Lean Canvas and Business Model Canvas by Strategyzer — source

Build a session around Experience Canvas

METODIC places Experience Canvas inside a complete, timed session plan — agenda, worksheets, facilitator guide and slides — matched to your group and goal.

Generate a session with Experience Canvas · Try METODIC free