Creating the solution

The Spring Idea Canvas is inspired by the Lean Canvas – a tool widely used for developing organizations and projects. By exploring its sections and answering the guiding questions, you will be able to refine your idea into a strong, distinctive, and impactful concept.

You can also work with a printed version of the Spring Idea Canvas using post-it notes: write down your answers to each Canvas question on separate post-its, place them on the Canvas, then organize, combine, and build your idea step by step.

Image of Spring Idea Canvas (png)

A SWOT analysis is a tool used to evaluate ideas, projects, or organizations. It helps to identify both internal strengths and weaknesses as well as external opportunities and threats.

SWOT stands for:

S = Strengths: What are the strengths of the idea and the team?

W = Weaknesses: What are the areas for development in the idea or the team?

O = Opportunities: What opportunities does the environment provide? What trends, needs, or support could you take advantage of?

T = Threats: What factors might prevent the idea from being realized? What competition, limitations, or uncertainties can you identify?

You can – and should – test your idea already in the early stages. Testing helps you find out whether there is genuine demand or need for your idea. Through testing, you can identify possible weaknesses in time, improve your idea, and if necessary, adjust your direction – in other words, pivot.

Below you’ll find four simple and inspiring ways to test your idea:

1. Prototype: Create a simple model of your idea that demonstrates its core – for example, a sketch, slide deck, website mock-up, or poster. Ask for feedback from experts or representatives of your target group.

2. Target group interviews: Talk directly with the people your idea will affect. What needs, wishes, or concerns do they have?

3. Market research: Find out what other ideas already exist to solve the problem you identified. How is your idea different from them? What can you learn from other actors?

4. Expert discussions: Share your idea with subject matter experts – their insights may reveal new perspectives and strengthen the credibility of your idea.

Guidelines for creating a simple survey:

1. Define your goal: Decide what you want to find out or understand through the survey – how will the survey help you gain insights about your idea or phenomenon?

2. Craft the questions carefully: Make clear and simple questions that directly relate to the topic. Combine open-ended and multiple-choice questions.

3. Choose your target group thoughtfully: Decide who the survey is for and how many responses you need.

4. Select a suitable distribution channel: Use a tool that allows you to collect responses easily and quickly, such as Google Forms, WhatsApp, or social media.

5. Test the survey first: Try it with a small group to ensure everything works as intended.

6. Collect responses diligently: Allow enough time for replies and send reminders if needed.

7. Analyze the results carefully: Review the responses and summarize the key findings.

Watch the video for tips from Inka and Kia on conducting surveys.

Pitching (from the English word pitch) is a short and concise presentation of the main points of an idea, product, or service, delivered as a speech or presentation. A pitch is sometimes called an “elevator pitch” when it refers to a sales pitch that lasts only as long as an elevator ride – roughly 30 seconds. Pitching can be practiced in many effective ways. Here are some practical tips:

1. Practice out loud: Say your pitch aloud several times, either alone or in front of others.

   Use a timer: Practice pitches of different lengths (e.g., 30 sec, 1 min, 3 min).

2. Record yourself: Watch the recording and pay attention to your voice, body language, speech rhythm, and clarity. Seeing yourself helps you identify what works and what needs improvement.

3. Practice with an audience: Pitch to friends, your team, or even a teacher. Imagine different audiences: investors, customers, young people. Ask for feedback: What did they understand? What stuck with them?

4. Refine your core message: Try to summarize your idea in one sentence. Practice different versions and find the most effective way to express it.

5. Practice answering questions: Ask others to make questions after your pitch. Practice responding quickly and convincingly.

6. Watch examples: Look up good pitches on YouTube (e.g., Shark Tank, TEDx) and pay attention to style, structure, and presentation. Don’t copy – find a pitching style that works for you.

Watch the video for tips from Janne Saarikko on pitching.

Here are some practical tips for becoming highly skilled at something:

• Practice regularly: Skills improve only through consistent practice. Work often and persistently.

• Set clear goals: Define what you want to learn and by when. Small milestones help you progress.

• Ask for feedback: An outside perspective reveals areas for improvement that you might not notice yourself.

• Be open to learning: Seek knowledge, try new approaches, and learn from mistakes. No one starts fully prepared.

• Follow the experts: Observe how the best do things and take inspiration from them. Stay true to yourself while learning.

• Focus on quality, not just quantity: Repetition alone isn’t always enough – make sure you do things correctly and thoughtfully.

• Surround yourself with like-minded people: Ideating together increases motivation and brings new perspectives.

• Take care of yourself: Good sleep, nutrition, and casual breaks support learning and endurance.

• Don’t give up quickly: Development takes time. Persistence separates the good from the excellent.

Watch the video for tips from Anu Ubaud on becoming skilled at what you do.