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Circular canvas template

Design a new venture or transform an existing business into a regenerative one

Circular canvas

Use this template to map out intricate workflows, processes, or ideas in a circular format to understand interconnections and relationships within a system. The circular canvas template is great for teams who want to see how different parts of a project or system work together and affect each other.

The circular canvas template helps you:

  • Visualize complex systems or processes in an intuitive, circular format

  • Identify key relationships and dependencies within a project or workflow

  • Improve team understanding and communication around complex ideas

  • Highlight areas for improvement or optimization within a system

  • Streamline decision-making by providing a clear overview of interconnected elements

How to use the circular canvas template

Step 1: Identify the central concept

Start by identifying and placing the main concept, process, or system at the center of the canvas. This is the core idea around which all the other elements will be organized around.

Step 2: Map out key components

Around the central concept, add the key components, processes, or stakeholders that are directly related to the central idea. Arrange them in a circular layout to reflect their relationship to the core concept.

Step 3: Connect the elements

Use arrows or lines to connect the components, showing the flow of information, dependencies, or influences between them. This helps you visualize how each element interacts with the others.

Step 4: Analyze relationships and dependencies

Review the connections and relationships you've mapped out. Identify any potential bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas where further analysis is needed. Use this step to refine and optimize the process or system.

Step 5: Collaborate and refine

Invite team members to collaborate on the canvas. Gather feedback, make adjustments, and ensure that the final map accurately represents the system or process being analyzed.

Tips for running a circular canvas session

  • Facilitation tip: Ask participants to think about all possible parts and connections, even those that may not be clear right away.

  • Mural feature tip: Use Mural's Sticky Notes to capture ideas and group them before arranging them on the canvas.

  • Tip: Use different colors for different types of relationships or parts to make the map easier to understand.

Mural makes it easy to collaborate and brainstorm together, in real time or asynchronously

With Mural’s intuitive features and tools, everyone can get involved according to their own schedule, share their perspectives, and help drive innovation, together. Some of Mural’s features include:
Sticky notes & text

Sticky notes & text

Add ideas, action items, and more as a sticky note or text box — then change the colors and cluster to identify patterns and new solutions.

Asynchronous collaboration

Asynchronous collaboration

Innovate and collaborate effectively together without booking time on calendars.

Real-time collaboration

Real-time collaboration

Add more productivity and engagement to meetings and calls with features to guide collaboration.

Private mode

Private mode

Avoid groupthink and get authentic feedback by allowing collaborators to add content privately.

Anonymous voting

Anonymous voting

Gain consensus and reach alignment quickly, either in real time or asynchronously.

Mapping and diagramming

Mapping and diagramming

Build quick and easy visualizations of flows, maps, processes, hierarchies, journeys, and more.

Circular canvas template frequently asked questions

How does the circular canvas template help in decision-making?

How can the circular canvas template improve strategic decision-making?

Can the circular canvas template be customized?

How does the circular canvas template support value creation?

What are the benefits of using the circular canvas template in business planning?

Mural and LUMA System Logo Lockup

Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.