Blue Ocean Strategy Canvas Sprint

An actionable 60 minute sprint to map industry competitors and build a Blue Ocean Strategy canvas using the Four Actions Framework.

5 time blocks, 60 minutes in total.

Time blocks

Identify Key Industry Factors: 10 min
List key factors the industry competes on along the horizontal axis
Map Competitor Value Curves: 15 min
Score competitors from low to high across every identified factor
Apply Four Actions Framework: 15 min
Determine what to eliminate, reduce, raise, and create
Draft New Value Curve: 10 min
Draw your proposed value curve to highlight distinct strategy
Test Focus and Divergence: 10 min
Check that the curve shows clear focus, divergence, and a tag line

About this routine

The Blue Ocean Strategy canvas was developed by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne as a diagnostic tool to map competitive factors across an industry. Instead of fighting for market share in crowded space, this sprint helps teams analyze where rivals invest and where industry assumptions create overhead.

During this 60 minute session, you identify key factors of competition, plot competitor value curves, and apply the Four Actions Framework. By determining what to eliminate, reduce, raise, and create, you outline a divergent value curve that opens up uncontested market space.

Running this structured exercise regularly keeps strategy focused and avoids incremental copying. You can follow this sequence step by step using a visual schedule to guide your timing and maintain focus.

Why this routine works

Identifies hidden industry assumptions and unnecessary costs
Reveals uncontested market space away from head to head rivalry
Creates a clear visual curve comparing your offer to market leaders
Establishes a focused strategic tagline for product development

FAQ

What is a Blue Ocean Strategy canvas?

It is a diagnostic diagram developed by Chan Kim and Mauborgne that plots industry competition factors on the horizontal axis and offering levels on the vertical axis.

How long does a Blue Ocean Strategy canvas sprint take?

This structured individual or team sprint takes 60 minutes to complete from industry mapping to value curve testing.

What are the four actions in Blue Ocean Strategy?

The four actions framework consists of eliminate, reduce, raise, and create to reconstruct buyer value elements.

Sources

Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne (Harvard Business Review Press)