Flywheel Sketching Canvas
Design growth flywheels that create self-reinforcing momentum
The problem this canvas solves
After identifying key relationships to support, teams need to figure out if these two-sided relationships can generate growth flywheels and network effects. The basic element is that in a system where core value comes from meeting the right party to transact, the more entities join the network, the bigger the value perceived by new joiners. Sketching flywheels is extremely important to figure out if a platform strategy will: (1) create a virtuous cycle reinforcing value perception super-linearly, and (2) create additional defensibilities on top of basic network effects through economies of scale, brand, data, or technology advantages.
When to use it
Use the Flywheel Sketching Canvas to design self-reinforcing growth loops where success breeds more success. Flywheels are essential for platform businesses to achieve sustainable growth without proportional increase in effort.
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
- Liquidity Canvas — Flywheels drive liquidity
Informed by
- Platform Design Canvas — Platform mechanics enable flywheels
- Network Properties Canvas — Network effects power flywheels
Complements
- Flywheel Cards — Cards provide flywheel patterns
- Growth Tactics Cards — Tactics feed flywheel components
Used in techniques
Used in pipelines
Related reading
- Defining the Platform Experience, and Flywheels for Defensibility — Comprehensive explanation of flywheel sketching technique
- Launching Platforms: Growth Hacking & Network Effects — Deep dive on network effects and growth mechanics
Resources
- Guide reference: PDT Growth & Product Guide - Flywheel chapter
- License: Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International
- Version: 2.2
Part of Platform Design Toolkit · v2.2