To perform an effective UX competitive analysis, don’t just look at features; focus on the experience. Start by selecting three direct competitors and two indirect competitors who solve the same problem differently.
- Define your goal: Are you analyzing the checkout process, onboarding flow, or navigation? Focus on one specific journey to keep the data manageable.
- Create a comparison matrix: Use a tool like FigJam or Excel to list competitors against specific criteria: ease of use, visual hierarchy, accessibility, and speed.
- Document the flow: Take screenshots of every step in the user journey. Look for "friction points"—moments where the interface is confusing, slow, or requires too much effort.
- Apply Heuristics: Evaluate each competitor against Jakob Nielsen’s usability heuristics. For instance, do they provide clear feedback when a user completes an action?
- Identify the "White Space": Note what everyone does well (the "table stakes") and identify gaps where competitors are failing. These gaps are your opportunities to innovate.
By systematically documenting the "why" behind their design choices, you can avoid their mistakes and capitalize on their omissions.
Are you looking to improve an existing product’s feature or are you building something entirely new from scratch?