Task A1.3: Write Down the Purpose of the System-in-Focus

What is Task A1.3?

Task A1.3 is part of the "Observe" phase in the Viability Canvas methodology, specifically within the "Define the System-in-Focus" step (Step A1). This task instructs you to "Write down the Purpose of the System-in-Focus" to clarify its fundamental reason for existence.

Purpose of Defining the System's Purpose

The purpose of this task is to articulate a clear, concise statement of why the system-in-focus exists and what it aims to achieve. This serves several important functions:

1. Providing direction: Establishing what the system is fundamentally trying to accomplish
2. Creating a reference point: Offering a standard against which activities can be evaluated
3. Enhancing clarity: Ensuring a shared understanding of the system's core function
4. Supporting identification: Helping distinguish between value-creating and supporting activities
5. Avoiding wishful thinking: Focusing on the actual purpose rather than aspirational statements

By defining the purpose of your system-in-focus, you create a foundation for evaluating how well the current organization supports this purpose and identifying improvements that would better align with it.

How to Complete Task A1.3

To define the purpose of your system-in-focus effectively:

1. Formulate a clear statement that describes:
   • What fundamental need the system addresses
   • What value it creates and for whom
   • How it contributes to the larger organization
2. Ensure the statement reflects reality:
   • Describe the actual purpose, not just aspirational goals
   • Avoid generic or overly abstract statements
   • Make sure it captures what the system actually does
3. Keep it concise and focused:
   • Write a brief statement (typically 1-3 sentences)
   • Focus on the essential purpose, not all activities
   • Use clear, jargon-free language
4. Test the statement:
   • Does it distinguish this system from others?
   • Would people working in the system recognize and agree with it?
   • Does it provide guidance for evaluating activities?
5. Document the purpose statement:
   • Write it prominently below the name of your system-in-focus on your Canvas
   • Make sure it's visible throughout your analysis

Example Application

In the Bike Shop example:

• The purpose statement might be: "To provide cyclists with reliable bikes, quality parts, and expert repair services that meet their specific needs while generating sustainable profit."
• This statement identifies the fundamental value created (reliable bikes, quality parts, expert repairs)
• It specifies the beneficiaries (cyclists with specific needs)
• It acknowledges the business reality (generating sustainable profit)

This statement would help distinguish core activities that directly contribute to this purpose from supporting or ancillary activities.

Why This Approach Works

Defining the system's purpose works well because:

1. It creates focus: Makes it clear what the system is primarily trying to achieve
2. It enables evaluation: Provides a standard for assessing whether activities add value
3. It supports prioritization: Helps determine which aspects of the system are most important
4. It prevents mission drift: Ensures analysis remains anchored to the system's core function
5. It enhances communication: Creates a shared understanding of what matters most

When implementing this step for your own organization, resist the temptation to include everything the system does or aspires to do. Focus on capturing its essential reason for existence in a way that provides genuine clarity and direction.