Computer Aided Business Model Design: Analysis of Key Features Adopted by Users

Business model innovation comprises many theoretical models, frameworks and methodologies; however, there is still little in the way of digital support for them using Computer Aided Design software. In this paper, we present an analysis of real-world usage data from the first generation of such tools that were designed to support the business model canvas. We first present how two artifacts implement features such as colors for grouping, custom attributes and positioning of elements. An examination of how digital support brings about new opportunities in business modeling allows us to compare this with a paper-based version. We then analyze how variations of these features have been used in the real world. Finally, we examine the implications of our observations for the next generation of tools and the advancement of research for dedicated Computer Aided Design tools to support strategic objects such as business models.