Automated assessment tool Lean Canvas Business PlanThis project was part of a dual-semester module designed to reflect the complete lifecycle of the software development process. Working collaboratively, our group developed a Lean Canvas for an automated assessment tool aimed at streamlining both summative and formative assessments. The tool sought to help teaching staff efficiently distribute and monitor assignments, ultimately improving student performance and learning outcomes.
We applied lean thinking to identify key issues in current assessment systems, particularly the challenges faced by educators in managing large-scale grading processes. Using the Lean Canvas framework, we outlined the core components of the business model, focusing on the problem, customer segments (teaching staff and students), value propositions, and potential solutions. The automated tool proposed features to simplify assessment distribution, track student progress over time, and provide actionable insights to enhance grades and learning experiences. After developing the Lean Canvas, we built a risk register to address potential risks that could arise during the development and implementation of the tool. This helped us think critically about the entire project lifecycle, from initial design to real-world use, ensuring we had strategies in place to mitigate challenges along the way.
Throughout the module, we explored key stages of software development, from initial ideation and requirement gathering to design and iterative refinement, incorporating Agile methodologies and user-centred design principles. This comprehensive experience emphasized the importance of aligning technical solutions with stakeholder needs while applying lean thinking to deliver practical, impactful outcomes.
October - November 2023
Cardiff University - Group Project
Lean Canvas
Risk Assessment-
Key Takeaways and Reflection
This project provided valuable insight into the lifecycle of software development, lean thinking, and user-centered design. Through this experience, I developed:
Business and Customer Understanding: Gained the ability to identify pain points in existing systems and outline effective value propositions to address them using the Lean Canvas framework.
Collaborative Problem-Solving: Improved teamwork and communication skills while collaborating with peers to ideate, refine, and present a solution tailored to stakeholder needs.
Framework Application: Learned how to apply lean thinking and Agile methodologies to streamline the software development process, ensuring solutions are aligned with both business goals and user expectations.
Strategic Planning and Decision-Making: Developed a strong understanding of how to prioritize features and focus on delivering the highest value within constraints.
Reflection and Growth
This project highlighted the importance of integrating stakeholder perspectives early and iterating based on feedback. It also underscored areas where I can grow, such as exploring more advanced prototyping tools and further strengthening my understanding of Agile practices. This experience has equipped me with a stronger grasp of how lean methodologies and software development intersect, preparing me for future projects in both business and technology domains.
Next Steps
The next phase of this project was to explore and define the requirements for our automated assessment tool's minimum viable product (MVP). This involved:
Top-Level Use Case Diagrams: Collaboratively creating a diagram to highlight the key features and services of the system, ensuring a user-focused perspective.
User Stories and Acceptance Criteria: Developing detailed user stories for each key feature to specify functionality and validate requirements effectively. These were crafted from the perspective of educators and students to ensure alignment with their needs.
Non-Functional Requirements: Documenting essential software product quality requirements, such as system performance, scalability, security, and accessibility, to ensure the solution meets broader operational standards.
