Analyze Competitors

Overview

Generate a competitive positioning matrix and Blue Ocean Strategy canvas that compares your product against named competitors across key dimensions: features, pricing, target market, UX, strengths, and weaknesses. Surfaces differentiation opportunities and strategic white space.

Workflow

1. Read product context -- Scan .chalk/docs/product/ for the product profile (0_product_profile.md), JTBD docs, and any existing competitive analyses. If no product context exists, ask the user to describe their product before proceeding.

2. Parse competitors and dimensions -- Extract from $ARGUMENTS the competitor names and any specific dimensions the user wants compared. If no competitors are named, ask the user to list 2-5 direct competitors. If no dimensions are specified, use the defaults: core features, pricing model, target market, UX quality, integration ecosystem, go-to-market approach.

3. Determine the next file number -- Read filenames in .chalk/docs/product/ to find the highest numbered file. The next number is highest + 1.

4. Build the competitive matrix -- For each competitor, analyze across every dimension. Use a consistent rating or description per cell. Be specific -- "freemium with $29/mo pro tier" not "has free plan."

5. Create the strategy canvas -- Describe a Blue Ocean Strategy canvas: list the competing factors on the X-axis and value level (low to high) on the Y-axis. Plot your product and each competitor. Identify factors where you can eliminate, reduce, raise, or create to find uncontested market space.

6. Identify positioning insights -- Summarize: where you are differentiated, where you are at parity, where competitors have an advantage, and where white space exists.

7. Write the file -- Save to .chalk/docs/product/<n>_competitive_analysis.md.

8. Confirm -- Share the file path and highlight the top 2-3 differentiation opportunities or competitive risks.

Output

• File: .chalk/docs/product/<n>_competitive_analysis.md
• Format: Plain markdown with comparison table, strategy canvas description, and positioning insights
• First line: # Competitive Analysis: <Your Product> vs. <Competitors>

Anti-patterns

• Feature checklist without context -- A grid of checkmarks tells you nothing about competitive dynamics. Every cell should describe the quality and approach, not just presence/absence.
• Ignoring indirect competitors -- Products in adjacent categories that solve the same job often matter more than direct feature competitors.
• Stale data presented as current -- If you do not have current information about a competitor, say so. Do not fabricate pricing or feature details.
• Missing "so what" -- A comparison table without positioning insights is just data. Always conclude with what the analysis means for product strategy.
• Only comparing features -- Pricing, distribution, brand, and go-to-market are often more decisive than feature parity. Compare across all strategic dimensions.