Know the World You’re Entering
Even the most brilliant ideas can flop if they land in the wrong market moment. Understanding your industry means seeing the broader patterns: what’s shifting, what’s crowded, what’s wide open. You don’t need to become a market analyst — just an informed participant.
Build a Picture of the Landscape
This activity is about scanning the horizon. Take notes. Follow curiosity. Look for signals of opportunity or risk.
- Key Players: Who are the big names, the fast movers, the disruptors?
- Trends: What’s rising, fading, or converging in your space?
- Customer Expectations: Are people getting used to free delivery, instant onboarding, AI assistance?
- Regulations or Standards: Any certifications, compliance, or data laws you’ll have to think about?
In the Wild
A team designing a new mental wellness app noticed a surge of competitors offering journaling features. But what stood out in their research was that none of them integrated with workplace HR systems — a crucial industry detail. That insight led to a B2B-focused pivot that unlocked funding and partnerships.
Make It Yours
- 📚 Prompt: “What’s normal in this space, and where are the cracks?”
- 🧭 Tool: Create a quick SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats)
- 🔁 Next: Explore Customer Empathy →