Interested in running a workshop on platform design? Want to dig deeper into underlying ecosystem development assumptions? In this 2018 workshop at ASU GSV, Kinetic Seeds, in partnership with Strada Education Network, facilitated a group of experts and creative thinkers present at the conference in an assessment of a platform-strategy as a future ecosystem for higher education. During the workshop, we considered the building blocks of a future learning ecosystem and brainstormed new platform model ideas.

1. Designing the Learning Ecosystem of the Future
ASU GSV Workshop
April 17, 2018

2. hello!
(are you ready to design a bright new
education future for working learners?)
2

3. WHAT IF?
What if a platform-based business
became the model to generate a
new educational ecosystem for
working learners?
3

4. WHAT IF?
What would those platform
models look like?
4

5. WHAT IF?
What design might succeed in opening
up and connecting learners to the
most relevant or new sources of
educational experience?
5

6. WHAT IF?
What designs might advise users
on actions to increase their value
in the workplace?
6

7. WHAT IF?
What exists or needs to exist for a
platform model and new learning
ecosystem to succeed?
7

8. The rise of platforms

9. What is a platform-based business model?
9
“A platform is a business based on enabling value-creating
interactions between external producers and consumers.
The platform provides an open, participative infrastructure
for these interactions and sets governance conditions for
them. The platform’s purpose is to consummate matches
among users and facilitate the exchange of goods, services,
or some sort of social currency, thus enabling meaningful
value exchanges between all participants.”

10. Platform model design requires a shift in mindset
10
FROM TO
What can be owned What can be connected
What can be optimized What drives participation
and interaction
How to grow value
of a customer
How to expand the ecosystem
and its network effects

11. Platform model design requires a shift in mindset
11
FROM TO
What can be owned What can be connected
What can be optimized What drives participation
and interaction
How to grow value
of a customer
How to expand the ecosystem
and its network effects

12. Platform model design requires a shift in mindset
12
FROM TO
What can be owned What can be connected
What can be optimized What drives participation
and interaction
How to grow value
of a customer
How to expand the ecosystem
and its network effects

13. Platform model design requires a shift in mindset
13
David Sacks’ napkin sketch of Uber’s virtuous cycle.

14. What platforms are not
14
• Platforms are not “linear businesses.”
• Platforms are not technology.

15. 15
Network effects: value created for all
participants
Core transactions: key transaction
that matches that connect consumers
and producers over and over again
Producers: those who create the
offerings
Consumers: thosein this case, our
one constant—Working Learners
Partners: those who provide
technology or enabling tools, additional
roles and resources
Owners: the controllers, own vision
and set rules for who can participate
and how
Getting started: platform model building blocks
Airbnb
Travel like
a local
Own
home

16. 16
Network effects, the value created for
all participants
Core transactions, the key transaction
that defines the type of platform and
matches that connect consumers and
producers over and over again
Producers: those who create the
offerings
Consumers, in this case, our one
constant—Working Learners
Partners: those who provide
technology or enabling tools,
additional roles and resources
Owners: the controllers, own vision
and set rules for who can participate
and how
Getting started: platform model building blocks
Insurance Marketing
Dynamic
pricing
plug-in
Airbnb
Travel like
a local
Own
home

17. Network effects, the value created for
all participants
Core transactions: the key
transaction matches that connect
consumers and producers over and
over again
Producers: those who supply or
create the offerings
Consumers: in this case, our one
constant—Working Learners
Partners: those who provide
technology or enabling tools, additional
roles and resources
Owners: the controllers, own vision
and set rules for who can participate
and how
17
Getting started: platform model building blocks
Airbnb
Travel like
a local
Own
home
Insurance Marketing
Dynamic
pricing
plug-in
Travelers Property
owners
Listings
and
bookings

18. Network effects: the value
created for all participants
Core transactions: the key
transaction matches that connect
consumers and producers over and
over again
Producers: those who supply or
create the offerings
Consumers: in this case, our one
constant—Working Learners
Partners: those who provide
technology or enabling tools, additional
roles and resources
Owners: the controllers, own vision
and set rules for who can participate
and how
18
Getting started: platform model building blocks
Airbnb
Travel like
a local
Own
home
Insurance Marketing
Dynamic
pricing
plug-in
Travelers Property
owners
Listings
and
bookings
Varied
selection and
pricing
Adjacent
“local
experiences”
Discrimination

19. Same basic structure inspires different core interactions
19
EXCHANGES MAKERNETWORKS

20. INSPIRATION: Same basic structure, different core interactions
20
EXCHANGES MAKERNETWORKS
LEARNING
SOURCES: Applico,

21. You’re up!
21

22. Step 1: Brainstorm and Map (about 30 minutes)
22
FOUNDERS
What platform design will help
working learners harness
education throughout their
working lives?
• Start from anywhere
• Brainstorm model ideas from
your starting point
• Represent one to pitch using
the model canvas
MENTORS
What exists or needs to exist for a
platform model and new learning
ecosystem to succeed?
• Map existing entities, tools
and resources on the model
canvas, identify voids
• Think about unusual suspects
• Brainstorm new and relevant
platform additions
THINK BIG AND BOLD! THINK EXPANSIVELY!

23. Step 2: Refine and et ready to pitch (about 20 minutes)
23
PAIR UP INTO FOUNDER AND MENTOR TEAMS
• Founders, walk the mentors through your model design
• Mentors, offer feedback for refining the model based
on your mapping of the ecosystem
• Together, refine the model and create your pitch
POSTPONE JUDGEMENT!
Use WHAT IF? to REFINE, COMBINE, or EXTEND
the model idea.

24. Step 3: Get ready to pitch (about 10-15 minutes)
24
THE STORY TEMPLATE
• Give your platform canvas a title and tagline
• Who is the working learner you are serving?
• What’s the core transaction?
• How do you build positive network effects?
ENGAGE US IN YOUR MODEL!

25. The Pitch
25

26. Cast your vote!
26
WHICH MODEL WOULD
YOU PUT YOUR
MONEY ON FOR BEST
ROI?
WHICH MODEL WOULD
IS YOUR FAVORITE
BECAUSE OF/DESPITE
ITS FLAWS?

27. ASU GSV Workshop
April 17, 2018 Delivered by
Thank you!