Software Development Canvas

About the Software Development Canvas template

Software Development Canvas is inspired by Lean Canvas and helps engineering teams to collaborate and brainstorm how the future technical system can look like.

How to use this Software Development Canvas template

There is no strict way how to use and fill this template:

- it can be filled by the whole team or one person,

- it can be filled on a dedicated brainstorming session or asynchronously,

- it can be filled in a specific or free order.

Below you will find the recommended order of working with the Software Development Canvas.

1. Describe all the initial data

Use the following cells to write down all known information about the project.

Project Name and Description — Briefly describe the project to create a necessary context for your team.

Functional requirements — List the most important functions of the system.

Non-functional requirements — List the most critical requirements of the system.

Constraints — Outline technical or organisational constraints which limit the team from freedom of decision.

2. Form the future look of the system

Use the following cells to brainstorm how the future system can look like.

Ideas — Write down all your ideas on how the project could be implemented.

High-Level Design — Use diagramming shapes to prototype an architecture diagram that would be used to develop a system.

3. Assess possible Challenges & Risks

Use Challenges & Risks to assess all potential problems which can slow down the team.