Network Properties & NFX Canvas

#The problem this canvas solves

Network effects depend on the nature of the relationship underlying the experience - not on generic notions of network topology. The Network Properties & NFX Canvas assesses the seven key properties of that relationship - supply commoditization vs differentiation, symmetry vs asymmetry, location (local/regional/global), single vs multi-tenancy, transaction frequency and lifetime, transaction value, monogamy vs polygamy - and how they shape network-effect behavior.

#When to use it

Use the canvas to classify each key relationship along the seven properties, sketch the expected shape of the network-effect curve (slowdowns and plateaus included), and place the Growth Tactics cards that fit those properties. It works together with the Growth Tactics Cards and the Growth Tactics Cheat Sheet.

#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.

#Canvas structure

#Property set (seven properties)

Spectrums where you mark what characterizes your core supply-demand relationship: supply commoditization/differentiation, symmetry/asymmetry, location flexibility, single/multi-tenancy, transaction frequency and lifetime, transaction value, monogamous/polygamous.

#Network-effects shape sketch

The area where you sketch the expected shape of your network-effect curve (typically an S-curve), reflecting how the properties slow liquidity or make effects plateau.

#Growth tactics zone

The dedicated zone where you stick the Growth Tactics Cards representing the tactics you want to use.

#How to use it

Assess the basic properties of the relationship underlying your network and use them to evaluate how your network-effect curve will play out - not all networks are equal, and the properties shape both your path to liquidity and long-term defensibility.

#Steps

1. Setup — Identify the relationship you're assessing - start from the Platform Experience, centered on a specific supply-demand relationship (an Airbnb host and a guest). One relationship at a time.
2. Property set — Fill the property set first - assess the seven properties, marking the position that characterizes your relationship on each spectrum.
3. Curve sketch — Sketch the expected network-effect curve, assessing how each property affects it: slowing the acquisition of liquidity, or making effects plateau (asymptotic effects, e.g. ride-hailing beyond a 2-minute pickup).
4. Tactics zone — Once the shape is set, use the Growth Tactics Cheat Sheet to match tactics to your property polarities, and stick the chosen cards in the dedicated space.

#Tips

• Always do the property assessment first, before sketching the curve or picking tactics.
• On post-its, always describe in text why you chose a certain positioning - the context will help later.
• Take the property-impact breakdown with a grain of salt: all networks are different.
• The properties belong to the relationship, not the platform - they can be analyzed at any stage.
• What you end up with: a synthetic understanding of how the network effects will behave and how the properties impact your liquidity challenge - with candidate tactics attached.

#Connections with other canvases

#Feeds into

• Flywheel Sketching Canvas — Network effects power flywheels
• Platform Design Canvas — Network properties inform design

#Informed by

• Ecosystem Canvas — Ecosystem structure determines network topology

#Complements

• Learning Engine Canvas — Learning and network effects compound

#Used in techniques

• Designing Network Effects and Flywheels

#Used in pipelines

• Designing the Platform Experience
• Bringing the Platform to Market

#Related reading

• Launching Platforms: Growth Hacking & Network Effects — Deep dive on types of network effects and how to leverage them

#Resources

• Guide reference: PDT Growth & Product Guide - Network Properties chapter
• License: Creative Commons Attribution - Share Alike 4.0 International
• Version: 2.2

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Canvas · Part of Platform Design Toolkit · v2.2