Scoping Canvas
The Scoping Canvas is a one-page template designed to help teams align on the scope of an innovation project by defining what is in and out of scope, without prematurely focusing on specific solutions. It facilitates a shared understanding of the project's boundaries and objectives.
Use this method at the beginning of an innovation project to ensure all team members have a common understanding of the project's scope, preventing scope creep and misaligned expectations.
Solves: Lack of shared understanding of project boundaries, scope creep, misaligned expectations among team members.
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Step 1: Individually fill in the 8 boxes of the canvas with sticky notes. (15 min)
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Step 2: Facilitate a team discussion, starting from box 2 to box 8, allowing 10 minutes per box. (70 min)
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Step 3: Hold a final discussion on any outstanding items from the previous step. (10 min)
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Step 4: Individually reflect on box 1 and write down your challenge statement. (10 min)
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Step 5: Discuss box 1 and agree on a final challenge statement. (15 min)
- Encourage honest and open discussion about what is truly in and out of scope.
- Remind the team to focus on defining the scope, not generating solutions.
- Use different colored sticky notes to represent different perspectives or departments.
- Conduct a dot voting exercise to prioritize elements within each box.