Zoom Out Before You Build
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re excited about your idea. But great innovation doesn’t happen in isolation — it happens in context. This activity helps you map out the players, patterns, and whitespace around your idea so you can spot differentiation and avoid landmines.
Look at the Landscape
You’re not doing a 50-slide market report — you’re spotting shape and structure in the space. Where are you similar? Where can you stand apart?
- Key Segments: Break your space into types — enterprise vs. SMB, mobile vs. desktop, B2C vs. B2B
- Competitor Positioning: What messages are your competitors pushing? Are they product-led, values-led, price-driven?
- Whitespace: What’s underserved? Where are needs not being met?
- Timing: Are there shifts in technology, culture, or regulation that make this the right moment?
Field Insight
While developing a digital journaling tool, a team noticed dozens of competitors in the “self-improvement” space. But none positioned themselves as “tools for decision-making.” That insight became a strategic wedge, letting them target professionals and leaders who journal to think — not just to feel.
Make It Yours
- 📊 Try This: Map 5 competitors on a simple 2×2 grid — e.g. “personal vs. professional” and “low-tech vs. high-tech”
- 📄 Template: Market Mapping Canvas (Coming Soon)
- 🧭 Next: Establish Your IP Strategy →