Business Design
Business Design is business model development that prioritizes validation over planning. We develop business models that succeed in the market — not ones that merely look good on paper. Short cycles, fast tests, real results.
- Business model analysis and development
- Market validation and assumption testing
- Revenue model and value proposition
- Prototyping and iterative improvement
Who Is Business Design For?
Business Design is for founders and managing directors who want to develop a new business model or evolve an existing one. Typical starting situations:
- Founding: You have a business idea and need a viable model before investing.
- Pivot: The current model isn’t working as expected. You need a well-founded alternative.
- Diversification: The company wants to build a second pillar — with its own business model.
- Margin pressure: Revenue is declining; the revenue model needs reworking.
- New technology: A technological change opens new possibilities for the business model.
- Market shift: Customer expectations have changed. The value proposition needs updating.
Business Design works for all company sizes — from solo founders to enterprises building a new business unit.
Our Approach
We work validation-first: every assumption is tested in the market as early as possible. No months of planning without customer contact.
Phase 1: Business Model Analysis
We systematically analyze the existing model (or business idea) and identify the critical assumptions.
- Mapping all components: value proposition, customer segments, channels, revenue streams, cost structure
- Identifying the riskiest assumptions — those whose failure would threaten the entire model
- Benchmarking against comparable business models in the market
Phase 2: Market Validation
We test critical assumptions through structured conversations, data analysis, and rapid experiments. The goal: facts, not opinions.
- Structured customer interviews (problem-solution fit)
- Market data and competitive landscape analysis
- Rapid experiments to test willingness to pay
Phase 3: Revenue Model
We develop a sustainable revenue model that fits the market and target group. Not every business needs a subscription model — sometimes a simple transaction model is the better choice.
- Evaluation of different revenue models (transaction, subscription, freemium, licensing, commission)
- Unit economics: What does it cost to acquire a customer, and what do they generate over their lifetime?
- Pricing based on willingness to pay and competitive positioning
Phase 4: Prototyping and Iteration
We test the business model with a prototype in the market. This could be a landing page test, a concierge MVP, or a limited pilot operation.
- Rapid prototype of the core value offering
- Pilot operation with real customers
- Iterative adjustments based on market feedback
Learn more about strategic fundamentals in What Is a Business Strategy? and tips on Before You Start Strategy Development.
What You Get
At the end of the project, you receive:
- Business Model Documentation — All components of your business model, clearly documented and shareable internally.
- Validation Report — Results of market validation with customer feedback, data, and conclusions.
- Revenue Model — A calculated revenue model with unit economics and scenario analysis.
- Prototype Results — Insights from market testing, including conversion data and customer feedback.
- Recommendation — Clear next steps: Go, Pivot, or Stop — with rationale.
No vendor lock-in. All deliverables belong to you.
Examples
A development team had powerful technology but no business model. Business model analysis identified three potential customer segments. Market validation showed: only one had acute need and willingness to pay. The revenue model was tailored to a SaaS model with usage-based pricing. The prototype confirmed the assumptions within 4 weeks.
A trades business earned all its revenue from one-off jobs — high sales effort, fluctuating utilization. Business Design developed a complementary maintenance contract model with predictable, recurring revenue. Market validation confirmed: 60% of existing customers were willing to sign maintenance contracts.
An online retailer sold third-party products with declining margins. Business model analysis showed: the strongest customer loyalty was in a specific product category. Business Design developed a private label brand for exactly that segment — with higher margins, stronger differentiation, and direct customer relationships.
A consultant sold exclusively her time. Business Design identified recurring consulting content that could be converted into a standardized workshop format. The new model combined a scalable group format with individual support — higher revenue with fewer working hours.
What Business Design Is Not
Management consulting analyzes existing structures and provides recommendations. Business Design actively shapes a new or improved business model. We don’t deliver a report; we deliver a validated model — tested in the market, not just on paper.
An incubator provides infrastructure, network, and sometimes capital for young startups. Business Design is a consulting service that works on a specific business model — regardless of whether you’re a founder or a managing director of an established company.
A business plan is a document for investors or banks. Business Design is a process that produces a validated business model. The business plan describes what you intend to do. Business Design tests whether it works.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between Business Design and management consulting?
Management consulting analyzes existing structures and provides recommendations. Business Design actively shapes a new or improved business model — with prototyping, market validation, and iterative development. We don’t deliver a report; we deliver a validated model.
How long does a Business Design project take?
A typical project takes 6 to 10 weeks. In sprint formats, first validated results can be available after just 2 weeks. The exact duration depends on whether an existing model is being evolved or a completely new one is being built.
What does Business Design cost?
Costs depend on scope and complexity. Business Design sprints start at a low four-figure amount. Comprehensive business model development ranges from mid to high four figures. You receive a binding fixed-price offer upfront.
Do I need Business Design as an established company?
Especially established companies benefit from Business Design — when markets shift, margins decline, or new competitors emerge. Business Design helps systematically challenge the existing model and make it future-proof.
What is the difference between Business Design and Business Model Innovation?
Business Design develops or improves a business model — often from scratch. Business Model Innovation systematically transforms an existing model through new patterns like platform, subscription, or ecosystem. Business Design is the broader framework; BMI is a specialized approach for existing businesses.
What happens if market validation shows the idea doesn't work?
Then we’ve saved money and time early. That’s a result, not a failure. In most cases, validation doesn’t show “it doesn’t work” but rather “it works differently than expected.” We adjust the model accordingly.
Related Services
- Strategic Design — Bottleneck analysis, positioning, and specialization
- Strategy Offsite — Two-day offsite for leadership teams: system analysis, leverage point, and 90-day plan
- Business Model Innovation — Systematic business model innovation
- Product Development — From idea to market-ready product
