Stop Worshipping Canvases & Start Thinking for Yourself

Author: Ben Maynard
Published: Thu 27 Feb 2025
Episode Link: None

In this week’s Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard takes the mic solo once again, tackling an issue that has taken over the world of Agile and Product Management: our over-reliance on templates and canvases.

From Vision Canvases to Lean Product Discovery Templates, we’ve been sold the dream that structured frameworks make our lives easier. But do they? Or are they actually making us lazy thinkers, stifling creativity, and holding us back from true innovation?

The Trap of the One-Size-Fits-All Mindset

Canvases and templates promise clarity, but they often lead teams to follow a formula rather than think critically. In this episode, Ben explores:

Why templates feel safe—and how they can be a dangerous crutch.
The illusion of progress—when filling out a template feels like work, but nothing meaningful gets decided.
How standardised frameworks kill nuance—forcing unique products and teams into predefined boxes.
When templates actually work—and how to adapt them to serve you, not control you.

Practical Takeaways:

Start with the problem, not the template. Before grabbing a canvas, ask: “What are we actually trying to solve?”
Inspect and adapt. If a template doesn’t quite fit, tweak it—don’t let it dictate your thinking.
Use templates as a conversation starter, not a final document. It’s the discussions and insights they generate that truly matter.
Kill the dead templates. If a framework isn't adding value, stop using it. Not all tools deserve a permanent place in your workflow.

🔥 What’s your take? Have templates helped or hindered your work? Do you have a canvas horror story or a surprising success? Tag Ben Maynard on LinkedIn and join the conversation!

Ben's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benmaynard-sheev/

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Host Bio

Ben is a seasoned expert in product agility coaching, unleashing the potential of people and products. With over a decade of experience, his focus now is product-led growth & agility in organisations of all sizes.

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Ben Maynard

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Product Agility Podcast

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