3. Design Benchmark

What

Research similar apps and adjacent solutions, analyze competitors' features and technologies, and use these insights for inspiration and differentiation. Identify what's essential versus "nice-to-have" for your launch.

How

Spend a few hours browsing competitor websites, apps, or reviews. Note their strengths (e.g., sleek design), weaknesses (e.g., slow performance), and gaps (e.g., missing features). Use this to brainstorm how your product can stand out.

Why

Why is benchmarking important?

  1. Why do I need to look at competitors?

    To understand the market landscape and see what's already out there.

  2. Why is understanding the market important?

    So you can position your product uniquely and avoid duplicating existing solutions.

  3. Why is unique positioning important?

    To attract users who are dissatisfied with current options or seeking something fresh.

  4. Why might users be dissatisfied?

    Competitors may have flaws or unmet needs you can address better.

  5. Why is addressing these gaps valuable?

    It gives your product a competitive edge, boosting its chances of success.

Conclusion:

Benchmarking reduces fear of failure by showing you where opportunities lie. It fights perfectionism by helping you focus on differentiation rather than trying to outdo everyone in every way.

Step context

Previous step: "2. User Research"

With user needs clear, you can assess how competitors meet (or miss) those needs.

Next step: "4. User Journey"

Understanding existing solutions helps you craft a journey that improves on what's out there.

Output format

  • A competitor analysis table or list with key features, strengths and weaknesses, and gaps
  • A shortlist of "essential" vs. "nice-to-have" features for your MVP

Why This Format Helps and How

Why:

A table organizes insights clearly. The shortlist forces focus on priorities.

How:

It helps you differentiate your product and avoid overbuilding by sticking to what users need most.