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 (0productprofile.md), JTBD docs, and any existing competitive analyses. If no product context exists, ask the user to describe their product before proceeding.

1. 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.

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

1. 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."

1. 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.

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

1. Write the file -- Save to .chalk/docs/product/<n>competitiveanalysis.md.

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

Output

• File: .chalk/docs/product/<n>competitiveanalysis.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.