Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want: Understanding User Perspectives with Comparative Analysis

Abstract

Introduction Comparative Analysis Comparative analysis, or, as the industry calls it, “competitive analysis,” has always been a common practice in evaluating usability. By comparing features with competitors, we can determine the product’s strengths and weaknesses. In his usability engineering model, Nielsen stated that existing products are often the best prototypes at the predesign stage because they are already fully developed.1 So even before building the product, valuable information about what features support user needs and meet user expectations can be collected.2 Useful features can be incorporated into the new product and potential usability problems can be avoided.3