How can you efficiently communicate your solution using a solution design canvas?

1 What is a solution design canvas?

A solution design canvas is a one-page diagram that summarizes the main elements of your solution, such as the problem, the value proposition, the requirements, the architecture, the risks, and the roadmap. It is based on the idea of a business model canvas, which is a popular tool for designing and testing business models. A solution design canvas helps you to align your solution with the customer's needs and expectations, as well as to communicate it clearly and consistently to different audiences.

2 How to create a solution design canvas?

Creating a solution design canvas can be done using a template that divides the page into nine sections, each representing a different aspect of the solution. Text, icons, diagrams, or any other visual aids can be used to fill in each section to express ideas. Colors and fonts can be used to highlight the most important or relevant information. The nine sections of a solution design canvas typically include the problem, value proposition, requirements, architecture, risks, roadmap, stakeholders, metrics, and assumptions. The problem section outlines the customer's pain points or challenges that the solution aims to solve. The value proposition section details the benefits or outcomes that the solution delivers to the customer. Requirements section includes functional and non-functional specifications that must be met to satisfy both customer and user needs. The architecture section outlines the high-level design of the solution such as components, interfaces, technologies, and patterns. Risks section covers potential issues or uncertainties that could affect the success or feasibility of the solution like technical, business, or operational risks. Roadmap section provides a plan or timeline for developing and delivering the solution including milestones, dependencies, and deliverables. Stakeholders section identifies people or groups involved or affected by the solution such as customers, users, developers, managers, and sponsors. Metrics section lists measures or indicators used to evaluate performance or impact of the solution like quality cost revenue or satisfaction. Assumptions section covers hypotheses or beliefs made about the solution such as customer needs market demand or technical feasibility.

3 Why use a solution design canvas?

As a solution architect, a solution design canvas can offer numerous benefits. It can help structure and organize thoughts and ideas about the solution in an orderly manner, as well as validate and test the solution with customers and users. Additionally, it can be used to communicate the solution to different stakeholders in an attention-grabbing visual format. Moreover, it can be used to document and share the solution with collaborators, facilitating collaboration and alignment among them. Finally, it can be utilized to monitor and update the solution as it evolves, as well as identify any potential gaps or changes.

4 How to use a solution design canvas?

To use a solution design canvas effectively, you should begin by focusing on the problem and the value proposition, as they are the foundation of your solution. Use simple language and visuals to illustrate your points, while avoiding unnecessary or redundant information. Additionally, be flexible and iterative as you learn more about your solution and customer, adapting and refining your canvas accordingly. Doing so will make your canvas more appealing and memorable.

5 Examples of solution design canvases

To help inspire you and provide some ideas, here are a few examples of solution design canvases for various scenarios and domains. For instance, there's a solution design canvas for a mobile app that helps users manage their finances. Additionally, there's a solution design canvas for a cloud-based platform that enables data-driven decision making for businesses. Furthermore, there's a solution design canvas for a smart home system that improves the security and comfort of homeowners. You can find all of these canvases online at the provided links.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?