PROJECT

CANVAS
Simplifying project communication
Explanatory Manual
Copyright © Project Canvas 2014 - All rights reserved
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction 4 Use cases 34
What is a project? 5 Kraftwerket 37
About Project Canvas 6 Drivr 39

Explanation of elements How to use Project Canvas

Purpose 10 Facilitating in 5 steps 42
Scope 12 Where to use Project Canvas 44
Success Criteria 14
Actions 16 The Project Kickstart 44
Milestones 18 The Project Overview 44
Team 20 Project Management 44
Stakeholders 22
Users 24
Resources 26
Constraints 28
Risks 30
 INTRODUCTION
Projects are an essential part of business today.
Managing projects in effective ways is important
for all industries and is also the main focus of a
number of academic initiatives.

This manual will explain the concept of Project

Canvas and how it can be used to create an
overview of any project. Project Canvas is a
convenient tool for communicating within
the project team, for decision making, and is
thereby also a way of managing progress in the
appropriate manner.

Unforeseen obstacles are always a part of the

project management process, and they can
affect resources, time and quality. Therefore,
the success of a project is closely linked to
the team’s ability to plan, adjust and react to
changing circumstances. Project Canvas is
created in order to help all members of a team
obtain a clear overview of a project. In other
words: To be on the same page.

4
WHAT IS A
PROJECT?
Before explaining Project Canvas, let us establish Characteristics Descriptions
the definition of a project. “A project” can
Projects are unique. A project is unique because some factors will
indeed be many things, from building a bridge to
always be different, such as the environment,
running a marathon. Projects can share many
team and/or the result.
characteristics while still remaining unique.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, a project is Projects have specific A project is designed to solve one or more
defined as: end results. specific objectives ending up with a specific
result.
“An individual or collaborative enterprise that is Projects have limited No projects have infinite resources, there are
carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.“ resources. always time and budget restrictions.

In the table we have provided a description Projects introduce As a project is unique, it is unclear how the
of the main characteristics of projects. Each risks. exact process will unfold. The project is not
project has its own challenges. In order to “business as usual”.
control the progress of your project it is
important to: form the right team, determine
tasks and find the conditions to execute these
tasks effectively.

5
 ABOUT PROJECT CANVAS
Project name Project owner

Project Canvas is a tool that improves Purpose

What is the intent of this project?
Why are we doing this project?
Scope
What does this project contain?
What does this project not contain?
Success Criteria
What do we need to achieve in order for the project to be successful?
How can the Success Criteria be measured?

communication in project teams and provides

a simplified project overview. Project Canvas Milestones
When will we start the project and when is the final deadline ?
What are the key milestones and when will they occur?

is built on well known project methodologies How can the milestones be measured?

including PRINCE2, PMI and Scrum. Actions

Which activities need to be executed in order to reach a certain milestone?

To keep the tool simple, Project Canvas is Outcome

What is the end
result?

inspired by empirically tested visual tools such - A book

- A website
- An event

as the Business Model Canvas and the Game

Plan. Project Canvas is developed by several
experienced project managers who combine
both academic research and practical use.
Team Stakeholders Users
Who are the team members? Who has an interest in the success of the project? Who will benefit from the outcome of the project?
What are their roles in the project? In what way are they involved in the project?

This work has resulted in Project Canvas, which

consists of 12 elements that altogether give you Resources
What resources do we need in the project?
- Physical (office, building, server)
Constraints
What are the known limitations of the project?
- Physical (office, building, server)
Risks
Which risks may occur during the project?
How do we treat these risks?

a complete overview of your project.

- Financial (money) - Financial (money)
- Human (time, knowledge) - Human (time, knowledge, politics)

Copyright © Project Canvas www.projectcanvas.dk

6
You might ask: “Is there a need for another tool? The tool is used by project teams to simplify
Don’t we have enough already?” It is true, there project communication and to synchronize
are many tools which all try to solve specific understanding of the project among those
project problems and/or help you in different involved - both internally and externally. Project
areas of project management. Project Canvas, Canvas can be used both offline, as a physical
however, focuses on helping to establish an printout with post-its, and online at
overview of the project you are involved in. app.projectcanvas.dk. The tool has proved
Overview is important for the team to work valuable as a:
in a common direction, being engaged and
motivated. It is also important for briefing • pre-project tool to kickstart projects
stakeholders who have concerns about the and specify “what is the purpose?”, “why
project status. is it undertaken?” and “how should it be
delivered?”
• sales tool to sell and convince recipients to
accept a project.
• briefing tool for communicating project
status.
• project management tool for those
simple projects that do not need complex
management systems.
The next chapter will cover all 12 of the
elements in depth.

7
EXPLANATION
OF ELEMENTS

SUCCESS
PURPOSE SCOPE OUTCOME ACTIONS MILESTONES
CRITERIA

GOAL -SET T ING T IMEFRAME

TEAM STAKEHOLDERS USERS RESOURCES CONSTRAINTS RISKS

P EOP LE ENV IRONMENT

 PURPOSE
Definition: The reason the project is carried out
and the intentions of the project owner.

What is Purpose?
The purpose describes why the project is started and the desired
outcomes, which should be achieved. It is the fundamental reason
for initiating the project, leading to the end result. Purpose shows
that the project is “beneficial”, which means it creates significant
value for the project owner, the people involved in the project and its
end users.

Why Purpose is important

When considering a project, it is important to identify what you plan
to achieve. Therefore, the purpose acts as a continuing guideline
for the project. It highlights what the project will accomplish
and the benefits it should bring. It should also unify the team’s
understanding of the project.

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How to use the Purpose element
The purpose is often expressed in one or two “soft” phrases, giving
a perspective for initiating the project. The following questions can
be helpful when defining the purpose:

%% Why are we doing the project?

%% What is the intention of the project owner?
%% What will be created, changed or enhanced?

Tip: When defining the Purpose, do not use more than 1-2 statements.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#purpose

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 SCOPE
Definition: Scope represents what is a part of the
project and what is outside of the project boundaries.

What is Scope?
The scope is designed to capture what the project will include and
exclude. It is a considerable part of aligning the expectations of
everyone involved in the project. If disagreements regarding the
workload arise in the course of a project, a good scope definition
serves as a common reference point for everyone.

Why Scope is important

Expansion of the scope (scope creep) is an expected part of many
projects. The customer or a stakeholder often returns with new
requests or requirements for the project. These requests are likely
to affect the project costs, time or quality. In such cases, the original
scope definition can be used to determine whether there is a basis
for a re-negotiation of project resources.

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How to use the Scope element
When defining the project scope, the team explores the immediate
project activities, milestones and end results. They are placed either
inside or outside of the project’s scope. The elements should be
revised until a satisfactory scope has been created. To make the
best use of scope as a project guideline, all stakeholders should
commonly agree upon and authorize the defined scope before
initiating the project. The following questions are helpful when
defining the scope:

%% Which areas should be covered with this project?

%% Which areas should not be covered with this project?

Tip: Think project length, width and depth when defining Scope.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#scope

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 SUCCESS CRITERIA
Definition: Measurable criteria chosen to determine
whether the project has achieved its desired result.

What are Success Criteria?

Success criteria indicate when the project purpose has been
accomplished with a satisfactory result. The success criteria should
be sufficiently detailed so it is easy to identify when a project is
successful. Therefore, all desired objectives should be covered.
The more elaborate the success criteria are, the easier it will be to
evaluate the project afterwards.

Why Success Criteria are important

Success criteria play a crucial role in evaluating a project and
reporting its current status. They help in judging if the set goals have
been reached to an acceptable level.

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How to use the Success Criteria element
Good criteria for success are characterised by being specific,
measurable, realistic and time specified. At the same time, they
should also be ambitious, but never unrealistic. The following
questions are helpful when defining success criteria:

%% What (goals / targets) should be achieved in

order for the project to be successful?
%% What are the benefits of the project?
%% How will the benefits be measured?

Tip: Include a clear time frame within which the criteria can be met.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#successcriteria

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 OUTCOME
Definition: Outcome is a description of the desired
result of the project work being undertaken.

What is Outcome?
The outcome captures what the project should lead towards. The
other elements in the canvas should support and contribute to
attaining the result. The result can be seen as a unifying intention
throughout the project process.

Why Outcome is important

The result needs to be defined, because it influences the focus of a
project. It should not be confused with purpose, which is the reason
the project is carried out and the intentions of the project owner,
whereas the result reflects the concrete desired outcome of the
project. To deliver the project benefits and to fulfill the purpose, the
project team must define the result.

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How to use the Outcome element
A well defined outcome is characterised by being SMART: Specific,
Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic (but ambitious and challenging),
and Time set. It is important to remember that the result is
more rigid while actions toward it are more flexible. The following
questions can be helpful when specifying results:

%% How do we realise the purpose of the project?

%% What do we want to deliver to obtain the
purpose?

Tip: When defining the Outcome be as specific as possible.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#outcome

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 MILESTONES
Definition: Milestones are significant events in the
project, which divides the project into manageable parts.

What are Milestones?

Milestones are used to provide a simplified overview of a project.
Working with milestones means focusing on highlights of the work
rather than the details. Milestones mark particularly crucial events in
the project and are especially important in long-term projects. They
serve as supplements to the success criteria and the end result.

There are several types of milestones:

• Decision points: for selecting sets of actions and transition to a

new phase.
• Coordination points: where work on several fields must be
completed at a certain point in time.
• Approval: both internal and external.
• Liability transfers: to or from the project team.

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Why Milestones are important
Instead of just initiating and closing the project without defined
check points, milestones are used to clear out the clutter and divide
the project into smaller parts. It then makes it easier to determine if Tip: Do not add
the project is on schedule. At the same time, milestones can be used more than 4-6
for communicating with the team and stakeholders. They hereby milestones to the
serve as a status overview and identify the next steps to take. project.

How to use the Milestone element

Milestones are defined by identifying important success criteria and/
or results. They guide the completion of different parts in the project.
Usually, four to six milestones is enough to create a project overview.
Milestones should be selected throughout the entire project life
cycle. The following questions are helpful when defining milestones:

%% When does the project start?

%% When is the deadline for the project?
%% When do the key milestones occur?
%% How is the achievement of a milestone measured?

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#milestones

19
 ACTIONS
Definition: Project actions are tasks, activities or
work that helps to achieve the project’s results.

What are Actions?

Actions are the completion of specific tasks within a defined period
of time. They advance the project toward the desired result. An
action can be split into minor activities depending on the level of
detail of the Project Canvas. Actions are best described by using
verbs like;
• create
• provide
• organise
• test
• produce

Why Actions are important

The absence of a clear action plan can lead to confusion or poor
resource management, which may lead to project failure. Clearly
defined actions make it easy to allocate the workload between the
team members and keep the process under control.

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How to use the Actions element
The “Action” should accurately describe what needs to be done, how
it should be executed, by whom and when. It is crucial to consider
which resources are required to complete each action. Specific
and measurable actions make it easier to monitor and control the
project. At first, actions can be identified by focusing on the end
result. The level of detail can then be increased. The following
questions can be helpful when specifying actions:

%% What is the best way to describe the necessary actions?

%% Does each action have a direct link to one or more of the outcomes?
%% Are the actions detailed enough to develop a project plan?

Tip: When defining the Actions break them into manageable parts.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#actions

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 TEAM
Definition: Group of individuals who work in collaboration
to implement the project and achieve a desired outcome.

What is Team?
The team is a group of people who plan and execute the project.
Each member of the team has a role and responsibility for
performing particular actions throughout the project.

Note: As the number of team members depends on the size and the
complexity of the project, the team can also consist of just one person.

Why Team is important

It is important to create the right combination of individuals with a
diverse skill set, so the project tasks are efficiently delegated. All the
team members should have a complete understanding of project
objectives and be aware of their responsibilities. The team should
cooperate throughout the project to identify issues that require
action.

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How to use the Team element
It is always good practice to align expectations and form a common
understanding of the project between members of the team. The
roles and responsibilities of individuals should be defined along with
the necessary competences, which are not available from within
the team. The following questions can be helpful when defining the
team:

%% Who are the participants?

%% Who is the project manager?
%% What other roles are present in the team?

Tip: When selecting the Team, choose people from different backgrounds

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#team

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 STAKEHOLDERS
Definition: Groups or individuals, in addition to the team,
who affect or are affected by the outcome of the project.

What are Stakeholders

In the Project Canvas framework, what is meant by stakeholders is
the individuals or groups, which positively or negatively affect the
performance or completion of the project from outside of the team.
They may exert influence over the project, its actions or its team
members. Stakeholders can act as a part of the team, if their roles
are aligned with the project team members roles. This is usually
decided in a dialogue between the team and the stakeholders. The
stakeholders often provide different kinds of services to the project
team.

Why Stakeholders are important

Stakeholders are important because they may have resources, such
as specific knowledge, that can help carry the project forward.

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How to use the Stakeholders element
Working with stakeholders should strengthen the project. They can
bring know-how and resources, which are not available to the team,
but are important for the project to be successful. If the team, for
example, lacks understanding of their end users, the stakeholders
can provide this insight to the team. The stakeholders can become
involved with the project at any point. The following questions can
be helpful when defining the stakeholders:

%% Who is interested or affected by the project?

%% What is their role in the project?
%% What knowledge or information is lacking inside the project team?
%% What external assistance is needed to achieve the desired outcome?

Tip: Develop a plan for engaging and communicating with Stakeholders.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#stakeholders

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 USERS
Definition: Recipients of the project’s desired outcome or groups
of individuals who will be impacted by the outcome of the project.

What are Users?

The users are individuals or groups who benefit from the outcome
of the project. Therefore, users are intrinsically linked to the purpose
of the project. It is important to examine which challenges users
face and gain insight into what they need, so the solution solves a
real and present issue.

Why Users are important

The users are important, because they validate the reason for the
project’s existence. An absence of users means a lack of purpose
and no justification to continue. Identifying users’ needs early in
the project will increase the chance of achieving the best possible
outcome.

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How to use the Users element
When using this element, it is important to consider all possible
users. Users are typically presumed as people from outside of
the project team; however, team members may also use or be
impacted by the outcome of the project. The following questions
can be helpful when identifying the users:

%% Who are the targeted users of the project?

%% Who will benefit from the outcome of the project?
%% Are there people in the project team who also
represent the users?

Tip: When defining Users, collect insight and avoid making assumptions.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#users

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 RESOURCES
Definition: What is needed in order for the
project’s actions to be executed and completed.

What are Resources?

The resources include the total time estimated for all project
actions, their cost and used materials. They can be tangible (i.e.
paper) or intangible (i.e. knowledge) resources that are needed
to complete the actions. For example, some project actions may
require time and specific knowledge or skills together with work
space and special supplies. People or manpower can also be
considered a resource.

Why Resources are important

It is impossible to reach the desired outcome of the project without
sufficient resources. Accurate resource allocation is important
for efficient execution of the project tasks. Lack of resources is a
serious constraint for completing a project and is often the reason
for failure.

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How to use the Resources element
The resources element should clearly identify all the project needs.
It is important to minimise the duration of the project and maximise
the use of available resources. The following questions can be
helpful when identifying the resources:

%% What resources are needed in the project?

%% What resources are lacking in the project?
%% Where will lacking skills/materials be found?
%% Will certain tasks need to be outsourced?

Tip: Time is one of the most important resources to remember.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#resources

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 CONSTRAINTS
Definition: Limitations such as events, resources or
other complications that interfere with the project.

What are Constraints?

Every project has limitations set by its environment. This may for
example be rules, procedures or standards, but also aspects such as
time, money, technology, or knowledge – aka. Resources in Project
Canvas.

Why Constraints are important

Being aware of the constraints is important for everyone involved
in the project, especially for the project team. The team members
need to take the constraints into account, so they can plan and
adjust the project accordingly.

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How to use the Constraints element
When initiating a project, the team should acknowledge what
constraints exist and how they influence each of the other
elements in the canvas. The following questions can be helpful
when identifying the constraints:

%% What are the current barriers or limitations to the project?

%% Which restrictions affect the project development?

Tip: Remember the triple constraint of Time, Resources and Quality.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#constraints

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 RISKS
Definition: Likelihood of events or conditions that can
have a positive or negative impact on a project and the
outcome.

What are Risks?

Risks are different from constraints in that they only have potential
to occur. They can be defined as threats and opportunities. Every
project holds uncertainties, which can affect it in both good and bad
ways. For example, hiring a new employee can be an opportunity to
gain manpower and expertise. At the same time, the new employee
may require extra training that can create delays in the project –
which is a threat.

Why Risks are important

Risks are present in all projects. Therefore, it is important to
identify and keep them in mind, but not to avoid them. This will help
to increase the probability of meeting the project objectives. In
addition to this, efficient risk management will keep the project as
close to the agreed plan as possible.

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How to use the Risks element
The following questions can be helpful when identifying the risks:

%% What are the possible events or conditions

that can affect the project?
%% What are the threats?
%% What are the opportunities?
%% How would risks affect the project?
%% What can be done to reduce or enhance the
risk probability?

Tip: All Risks identified have a probability and an impact to consider.

Learn more at - projectcanvas.dk/toolbox#risks

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 USE CASES

34
The next sections present two cases where
Project Canvas has been used by organisations
trying to achieve very different results. This
provides a perspective on how the canvas
can be utilized in various types of projects
and, furthermore, it illustrates the versatility
of the tool. In both cases, members of the
Project Canvas team facilitated workshops
with the featured organisations to support and
guide the process. This practical experience
demonstrated how the use of visual tools helps
to make your project plan clear and your project
communication more efficient.

35
 Project name Project workshop at Kraftwerket Project owner Kraftwerket
Purpose Scope Success Criteria
What is the intent of this project?
Why are we doing this project?
Improving conditions Funding within CPH
What does this project contain?
What does this project not contain?
Users have final First 50% of users in the
What do we need to achieve in order for the project to be successful?
How can the Success Criteria be measured?

for educating municipality budget mandate prototype 1st prototype should

entrepreneurs done be new

Milestones
Clear vision for
When will we start the project and when is the final deadline ?
What are the key milestones and when will they occur?
Detailed Plan for building First Evaluation of
How can the milestones be measured?
the project space project the physical prototype 1st prototype
plan frames starts
Actions
Which activities need to be executed in order to reach a certain milestone?

Team process Feedback from User involvement Involve Opening

partners process 50% new party
users Outcome
What is the end
result?

Operating
- A book

Fundraising Need analysis Plan the 1st Marketing - A website

- An event

prototype and user plan and new

recruitment physical space

Budget Research Building the Testing the

mockup workspace operating
plan

Team Stakeholders Users

Who are the team members?
What are their roles in the project?
1 project leader The rest of
Who has an interest in the success of the project?
In what way are they involved in the project?
Copenhagen Youth
Who will benefit from the outcome of the project? Employees at
3 KW employees Kraftwerket municipality 18-25 Kraftwerket
team

Resources Constraints Risks

Kraftwerkets Existing Project team Lack of user Large workload Lack of focus Existing users
What resources do we need in the project? What are the known limitations of the project? Which risks may occur during the project?
- Physical (office, building, server) - Physical (office, building, server) How do we treat these risks?
- Financial (money) - Financial (money)

existing users 140 hrs per engagement for the team in from the may not approve
- Human (time, knowledge) - Human (time, knowledge, politics)

space week summer management

www.projectcanvas.dk

36
KRAFTWERKET
The purpose of the project is to enhance During the project, the team will create
KraftWerket is a municipality project the conditions for educating cultural the first prototype of the operations plan.
workshop in Copenhagen, which entrepreneurs, while the desired outcome But before doing so, they want to involve
acts as an ‘embassy’ for young is to create a new plan for operations, stakeholders and users in creating a
Copenhageners. They educate the along with improvements to their shared vision for the new project space.
cultural entrepreneurs of tomorrow workspace. One of the most important After exploring Project Canvas, the Kraft-
and create dialogue between the success criteria is that of all users in the Werket team now have a clear overview
youth and the city council. project, half should be new, so there will of all 12 elements of the project, including
be a unique influx from this initiative. This the actions which will lead them to the
KraftWerket is the most experienced strategy should ensure that the user base desired outcome. They know what the
institution in Copenhagen when it will expand in the future. available resources are, they are aware of
comes to project guidance for young the constraints and understand the risks.
people. For more than a decade, they
have advised project managers as well
as artists and performers to develop
their ideas and realise projects.

KraftWerket has used the Project

Canvas to kickstart an internal
development project. It helped them
to brainstorm and organise their vision
for the future. This is an overview of
their project plan.

37
 Project name Drivr - CPH Project owner Drivr CPH office
Purpose Scope Success Criteria
What is the intent of this project?
Why are we doing this project?
Launch Drivr in DK Sales and
What does this project contain?
What does this project not contain?
customisation 150 taxis Proof of
What do we need to achieve in order for the project to be successful?
How can the Success Criteria be measured?

marketing for DK in CPH concept in

DK

Milestones
Finding partners
When will we start the project and when is the final deadline ?
What are the key milestones and when will they occur?
Beta test Launch front end Pilot test 97%
How can the milestones be measured?
booking booking + app backend bookings with
system first partner
Actions
Which activities need to be executed in order to reach a certain milestone?

Intention Feedback from PR + marketing Implement Add call

agreements partners system center
Outcome
What is the end
Partner result?
All partners
Design the support
- A book

Find Final - A website

use Drivr as
- An event

partners system delivery main booking

Customer system
support
Research Develop
potential system Optimize
partners backend system

Team Stakeholders Users

Who are the team members?
What are their roles in the project?
2 biz dev Board of Super
Who has an interest in the success of the project?
In what way are they involved in the project?
App dev. Taxi & Private
Who will benefit from the outcome of the project? Business
2 operations investors users team limousine taxi taxi
1 sales companies customers customers

Resources Constraints Risks

Transportation Legal Financing & Time Technical Small Legal Scalability - is the
What resources do we need in the project? What are the known limitations of the project? Which risks may occur during the project?
- Physical (office, building, server) - Physical (office, building, server) How do we treat these risks?
- Financial (money) - Financial (money)

know how knowledge investment (running out Danish project Danish taxi system ready for
- Human (time, knowledge) - Human (time, knowledge, politics)

of funds) customisation team laws 150 taxis?

www.projectcanvas.dk

38
DRIVR - CPH
expensive booking systems. Another clear that must be taken into consideration.
Drivr is a start-up company focusing market advantage is the fact that Drivrs For example, governmental taximeter
on upgrading taxi services. For two tablet solution is much cheaper for the regulations that demand a high degree of
years, their main product has been an individual taxi drivers in comparison to old customisation of the Drivr product. For
app that orders taxis with just one click, booking systems which cost 40.000 DKK Drivr, getting an overview of their project
and now Drivr is expanding. They are to get installed in one taxi. The launch is a launch with Project Canvas was really
going to provide the cars themselves complex task with many stakeholders and beneficial. The tool helped them point out
as they become a full service high end users. The company has already launched milestones along the way for the whole
taxi company. Drivr wanted to get an in London and is running with a fleet of 250 team, and gave them a common frame
overview of their Copenhagen launch. cars on the street. In Denmark, there are of reference so that everyone was on the
For this, they used Project Canvas. many challenges, risks and constraints same page in the project.

The purpose of their project is to Launch

Drivr as a high end taxi and limousine
service in Copenhagen. They aim to
improve ground transportation, ease
booking hassles and provide a luxurious
taxi experience for customers. At the
same time Drivr wants to create a
cheaper alternative to the expensive
booking systems used by other taxi
companies. The new Drivr product is
an extension of the digital application,
and by making Drivr’s booking system
accessible on mobile devices in each
taxi, they can bypass the use of
39
 HOW TO USE
PROJECT CANVAS

40
Project Canvas is a dynamic tool that can be For using Project Canvas a facilitator is needed.
used in different ways to suit the needs of your The facilitator can be one person (e.g. a teacher
project. It is, however, recommended to follow or project leader), but can also be a group who
the order of steps laid out in this facilitation co-facilitate (e.g. a study group). The facilitator
guide. has been introduced to Project Canvas in
advance, either in a course or workshop, or by
The elements of Project Canvas are divided reading through the explanation of elements
into 5 groups. Each group represents a certain given in Chapter 2 on his/her own. Each
step in the facilitation process. The illustration element should be explained to the team by the
shows how the elements are organised and facilitator(s) before adding any information to
the order in which they should be examined. the canvas.
The questions for each element on the canvas
allow project team members to gain a shared Remember to discuss and make sure everyone
understanding of what to focus on. The agrees when adding new information onto the
questions also guide the discussion to simplify canvas. It is a good idea to use ‘sticky notes’ for
the decision making process. this process so everyone can contribute. The
canvas can be revised as many times as needed
and does not have to be perfect on the first
version.

Tip: Create a parking spot for good ideas you don’t know where to put right now.

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 FACILITATION Step 1: Define Project
State the project name and the project owner -

IN 5 STEPS
a person, group or organisation that is ultimately
responsible for the success or failure of the
project.

STEP 1 Step 2: Goal-setting

Define Firstly, define the project Purpose: What is the
project
basic intention of the project? Then deter-
mine the Scope of the project by exploring the
boundaries of the project activities. What does
STEP 2 the project contain and what does it not con-
Goal -
setting tain?

When the Purpose and Scope are defined, you

need to agree on some measurable Success
Criteria. What do you need to achieve in order
for the project to be successful? The Success
STEP 3 STEP 5 Criteria can help you see, if the project is meet-
Identify Setup
people ing the predefined goals. As the final step in the
timeframe project goal-setting phase, you should define
the project Outcome: What is the project end
STEP 4 result?
Examine
environment

42
Step 3: Identify People constraints help you define what is certain in
the project environment and establishes the
When you have reached a shared understanding boundaries, assessing the Risks will help you to
of what the project is, it is time to focus on the be prepared for any uncertainties. So, ask your
people in and around the project. Start with the team (or yourself) what might happen that could
Team: Who are the team members and what are restrict the project?
their roles in the project?

After that, focus on your Stakeholders: Who has

an interest in the success of the project? In what Step 5: Setup Time Frame
way are they involved in the project? It is equally The last step is to create the project timeline.
important to understand who will be the Users Start by defining the project Milestones as a
that benefit from the outcome of the project. series of tangible events or deadlines that are
These can also be stakeholders and team essential to the project’s progress. When will you
members. start, and when is the deadline? What are the
key milestones and when will they occur?

Step 4: Examine Environment After listing the project Milestones, it is time to

review Activities. Which Activities need to be
It is time to look at the project environment.
executed to reach a certain milestone? List the
First, focus on the project Resources: What
activities under the milestone(s) they relate to.
resources do you need? This includes financial,
physical and human resources of the project.
Second, look into the Constraints. What are
the known limitations of the project? While

43
 Where to use Project Canvas When moving through the 12 elements in the
canvas, make sure the group is given time to
Project Canvas can be used for different brainstorm and discuss different perspectives.
purposes depending on the size and complexity Welcome and encourage contributions, but be
of the project, the needs of the team, and stage sure to agree on content before it is put onto
which the project has reached. The use of Project Canvas.
Project Canvas is divided into three contexts:
The Project Overview
%% The project kickstart After a project has been initiated and work has
for pitching & initiating projects commenced, Project Canvas can be used for
communicating with stakeholders, e.g briefing
or reporting project status. Use Project Canvas
%% The project overview to ensure everyone understands: completed
for briefing, communication & status and ongoing tasks, any changes to resources or
scope, and how to manage present risks.
%% The project management
for assigning tasks and charting progress The Project Management
When a project is already underway and
the project group requires a simple project
The Project Kickstart management tool, Project Canvas is useful
Project Canvas can be used before anything has for assigning tasks and charting progress. In
been defined in a project. In this context, Project this context, the tool allows all members of
Canvas is a pre-project tool which provides an the project group to gain perspective about a
overview of what needs to be covered to get a project’s status on a daily or weekly basis.
shared understanding of the project.

44
Context of Use Project Kickstart Project Overview Project Management

Pre-project tool, Communication with Stake- Project management,

Conditions
Brainstorming, Discussion, holders, Briefing, Reporting Assigning tasks, Charting
Definition. status. progress, Controlling pro-
cess.

Guidelines Starting from the question Begin by presenting activities Led by the project manager
“What is the project about?” which are complete and then use the canvas on a daily or
explore all the elements on the the progress towards success weekly basis.
Canvas (this can be done by criteria. (status)
one or several team members). Sign off against completed
Focus on activities which tasks.
When working in the group: change over time.
encourage brainstorming and Assign resources to new
discussions, consider different Monitor changes to available activities.
perspectives and opinions. resources and identify scope
creep to maintain focus. Monitor the project variables
Keep it simple: don’t include to control and optimize the
too much information, only Understand the present risks workflow.
what is relevant and useful. and how to manage them.

Average Time frame* 2-4 Hours 0.5-1 Hours Ongoing

* The specified time frame varies according to the complexity of a project and size of the project team. The estimated team size is 4-12 people.

45
Authors:
Simon Stubben
Thomas Simon Olesen
Nina Bonne Breum
Sune Liengård

Editors:
Howard Wills
Yulia Tchernaya
Jesper Knoop-Henriksen

Illustrator:
Cecilie Otzen, Sketchy Banana

Layout by:
Howard Wills

We would like to thank

Nynne Christiansen, Mette Fischer Thomsen and Anam Nabil for their contribution.

Partners:
Copyright © Project Canvas 2014 - All rights reserved