The 4 actions framework is a powerful tool for improving and refining products and services. A four actions framework example typically includes the following strategic categories, which prompt you to think about your product as it relates to the industry standard:

Reduce – Are there product features that should be reduced below the industry standard?

Eliminate – Are there standard elements that should be removed to cut costs or boost efficiency?

Create – Are there new developments to pursue that are not yet provided by the industry?

Raise – Are there product elements that should be enhanced above the industry standard?

The 4 actions framework reveals potential ways of providing value to the customer. It also ensures your team uses existing resources effectively.

The goal of this exercise is to assess the competitive landscape, conduct market research, and identify opportunities for differentiation and improvement. Teams are able to reduce resources in specific areas that aren't currently driving customer value, in order to focus on the features that promote differentiation and increase competitive advantage.

The four actions framework can be useful for a variety of different teams and scenarios. Try this exercise if you're running into the following:

• Your product is struggling to find a unique value proposition or business strategy that differentiates itself from the competition.
• Your brand is thinking about entering a new market (or considering disrupting a known market space).
• You're looking for ways to trim costs and reduce inefficiencies to maximize customer value.

Developed by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne in their 2004 book of the same name, the blue ocean strategy is a way of creating a new market space by pursuing both product differentiation and lower input costs.

The blue ocean 4 actions framework prompts developers and designers to reduce inefficiencies and raise unique selling points to find new avenues for innovation. A blue ocean strategy 4 actions framework example typically isn’t concerned with existing competitors—consider the competition irrelevant, and instead, focus on creating new demand beyond the known market space.

To create a four actions framework, simply gather your team and tap into our four actions framework template. From there, you’ll find sections labeled with each of the four actions: reduce, eliminate, create, and raise. In each box, answer the prompting questions—jotting down ideas and sharing feedback with your team in real-time.

Conduct through research on the existing industry standard to understand competitors' strategies. Involve key stakeholders as needed, and clearly define your customer's needs and preferences. From there, develop a unique value proposition that meets your customer's needs, helps you claim additional market share, and drives value beyond the industry standard.