Maybe you're already aware of it, but since it hasn't been mentioned, Dan Brown's book "Communicating Design" has a good chapter on competitive analysis documentation. Like the rest of his book, he talks about a layered approach to the documentation, as well as presentation and context for it.
To me, a competitive analysis is good for establishing a baseline reference and perhaps get some ideas for inspiration. But in the end, don't just try to include what your competition has or steer away from their perceived weaknesses. It might get you to a safe solution, but not a successful one. Sure, find out what others are doing. But rather than using it to imitate or "Frankenstein" concepts, first really know what _your business'_ goals and customer needs are. Then use the analysis, along with other resources, to maybe come up with something totally new that's tightly aligned with those needs. And test that out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Posted from the new ixda.org http://www.ixda.org/discuss?post=44753 ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
