The Canvas as a Mechanism for Scientific Impact

Abstract

This paper embarks on an exploratory journey into the realm of canvases within a scientific, strategic management and business context. Plagued by their intangibility and abstract nature, canvases pose a unique challenge to their users in terms of definition and comprehension. The core objective of this research is to answer the central question: ”What actually is a canvas?” To this end, the paper seeks to establish a robust definition of a canvas through comprehensive research and analysis. The research process starts with a broad literature review, followed by an extensive survey of existing types of canvases to lay a solid foundation for further analysis. Existing definitions for each canvas type are gathered and compared, with a specific focus on finding commonali- ties that can contribute to a holistic definition. The structure and characteristics of canvases are meticulously broken down, analyzed and presented to understand their key components. Simultaneously, the academic status of canvases is investigated, highlighting how they are referenced, utilized, and treated within scientific discourse. Existing and potential evaluation methods for canvases are studied to better understand their current uses, and to shed light on their inherent qualities and effectiveness. Lastly, the research focuses on identifying the typical users and creators of canvases, aiming to gain insight into the contexts of use and the purposes they serve. The outcome of this extensive exploration is not only a comprehensive definition of a canvas, but also a greater understanding of its components, characteristics, academic status, evaluation methods, and typical users. This research serves to augment both the academic discourse and practical application surrounding canvases, enhancing their effectiveness as tools for strategic management and business visualization.