Digital Policy Model Canvas Definition
The digital policy model canvas helps develop solutions to address a specific issue or opportunity. This template allows you to isolate a problem and analyze the context surrounding the possible solution. Doing this lets you focus on the specific opportunities and challenges relative to your solution and eliminate issues resulting from a larger scope.
The digital policy model canvas looks at a solution holistically and breaks down every small factor that impacts its success. It is similar to a business model canvas, but instead of focusing on developing a value proposition and strategic positioning for a company, it narrows the scope to a single problem & solution.
Filling out this template with your team can help develop a shared understanding of the context surrounding your issue or opportunity and how you can create a solution that addresses this singular issue. If you are having trouble locating an isolated issue to address, try completing a root cause analysis before using this template.
Digital Policy Model Canvas Template
As stated previously, the digital policy model canvas can be applied similarly to a business model canvas or lean canvas, but with a restricted scope. Traditionally, this template begins in the middle and works its way out counter-clockwise, but we modified the layout to give it a more linear flow.
Here is a walkthrough of how to use the template effectively.
- Issue/Opportunity Definition: Define the issue or opportunity you’re focusing on. How does this issue/opportunity relate to you? What are the things that make it impactful? Why is this opportunity special?
- Beneficiaries: Who will your solution benefit the most? Who is it intended to help?
- Stakeholders: What stakeholders are needed to help develop this solution? What roles will they play?
- Context: What is the context surrounding the opportunity/issue? Are there any similar situations that help position yours?
- Process: Who needs to be involved in developing or implementing the solution? What coordination is required?
- Approach: Are there any current solutions you can draw from? Where can you find inspiration for your solution? How will you approach your solution?
- Investment: Is there a budget? What funding or funding sources are available?
- Risk: What hurdles or roadblocks are anticipated? How can you combat them?
- Timeline: What is the target timeline? Are there any important deadlines or events?
Completing these sections in order will help define your solution, provide context as to why you’re building it and who it helps, and begin outlining how you will implement it. When considering a new solution, this covers many surface-level areas and can be a good jumping-off point to begin implementation.
Digital Policy Model Canvas Strengths & Weaknesses
The digital policy model canvas is very helpful for isolating ideas and exploring them to see if there is a valuable solution. They act similar to a business model but don’t go in-depth enough to provide the same value. Here are some of the major strengths and weaknesses of the digital policy model canvas.
Strengths
- Isolates problems: The digital policy model canvas isolates a single issue or opportunity and focuses the entire analysis on that specific area.
- Considers multiple problem areas: The template covers many ideas in evaluating your solution, so you will touch on many important bases throughout the exercise.
- Evaluates potential risk: One important place the digital policy model canvas emphasizes is potential risks. You won’t get too far into a solution without considering the risks.
Weaknesses
- Doesn’t establish value: This template doesn’t inherently address the value of your opportunity, and that will need to be a separate conversation.
- Relies on underlying assumptions behind the solution’s validity: Similar to the last point, this model runs under the assumption that there is a given opportunity or something is an issue. Even if you use the digital policy model canvas diligently, you will have to address your underlying assumptions to find the right solutions.
Digital Policy Model Canvas Example
In our digital policy model canvas example, we discuss how this template might be used for a company looking to build an anxiety and wellness app to help customers find relaxation. Here are the points we established in each section.
- Issue/Opportunity Definition:
- All-time highs of anxiety and restlessness mean the market is growing exponentially for wellness.
- Need to offer unique strategies other than breathing exercises.
- Beneficiaries:
- People that struggle with sleeping, anxiety, or restlessness are the main beneficiaries.
- Stakeholders:
- Stakeholders mainly interact with funding.
- Stakeholder map guides development along with the overall vision.
- Context:
- There is ample space and saturation in the market, and there are many active solutions.
- Mainly they focus on simplicity and narration.
- Process:
- Need to coordinate with the overseas development team.
- Build connections in marketing and healthcare to prepare for outreach push.
- Approach:
- We can find market share with professional advice.
- Freelance work with specialists to build unique exercises and content.
- Investment:
- Small budget for development and salaries.
- Open up budget at the 8-month mark for initial feedback and promotion.
- Internal funding source secured.
- Risk:
- Risk of market saturation – getting tuned out.
- Need to find users in need.
- Timeline:
- Launching beta in 4 months.
- Full launch in 1 year.
This template breaks down where the main areas of focus need to be directed in order to develop a successful solution and helps provide a holistic view of the situation. We can see that in this template, there are some risks to weigh before charging into this solution, mainly market saturation and differentiation. That being said, it looks like there could be a promising return with unique exercises and professional advice guiding the business in the right direction.
