Ecosystem Scan Canvas

#The problem this canvas solves

Platform opportunities emerge from understanding how value currently flows between entities and where friction exists. Most teams only see their direct customers, missing the broader network of producers, consumers, partners, and enablers. The Ecosystem Scan systematically maps all entities, their relationships, and value flows to reveal platform opportunities through friction points, unmet needs, and underserved relationships.

#When to use it

Use the Ecosystem Scan Canvas to systematically map all entities in your potential platform ecosystem, their relationships, and how value currently flows between them. This canvas reveals platform opportunities by identifying friction points and unmet needs.

#The canvas

The canvas in the updated Boundaryless brand (full resolution — click to zoom). A print-ready PDF and editable SVG are also available on request.

#Connections with other canvases

#Feeds into

• Brief Consolidation Canvas — Ecosystem map informs brief
• Ecosystem Canvas — Scan informs designed ecosystem

#Informed by

• Arena Scan Canvas — Arena context guides ecosystem mapping

#Complements

• Entity Portrait Canvas — Portrait details entities identified in scan

#Used in techniques

• Scanning and Mapping the Ecosystem
• Validating Strategic Assumptions

#Used in pipelines

• Understanding the Ecosystem

#Related reading

• The Macro-Problems and Techniques of Platform Design — Part of Macro-Problem 1: Understanding Ecosystems to create Value Propositions

#Resources

• Guide reference: PDT Opportunity Exploration Guide - Ecosystem Scan chapter
• License: Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International
• Version: 2.2

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Part of Platform Design Toolkit · v2.2