yknothing Market Analysis
Understand the market before building the product. Validate that a real opportunity exists.
Context
Market analysis is the first analytical step after intake routes work to the discovery phase.
See context and anti-pattern notes.
Inputs
I/O contract notes define required inputs and authority.
Process
Step 1: Define Market Scope
Identify the target market segment. Be specific -- "project management for freelance designers" not "project management."
Step 2: Analyze Competitors
Map existing solutions:
- Direct competitors (same problem, same approach)
- Indirect competitors (same problem, different approach)
- Adjacent solutions (related problem, potential pivot)
For each: note pricing, features, strengths, weaknesses, user reviews.
Step 3: Identify Market Gaps
Where do existing solutions fall short? Look for:
- Underserved user segments
- Missing features repeatedly requested in reviews
- Pricing gaps (too expensive or too cheap for a segment)
- UX problems that create friction
Step 4: Assess Market Size
Estimate TAM (Total Addressable Market), SAM (Serviceable Available Market), SOM (Serviceable Obtainable Market). Use bottom-up estimation when possible (number of potential users x willingness to pay).
Step 5: Document Opportunities
Rank opportunities by: market size, competition intensity, team capability fit, and time-to-market.
Outputs
Produce only declared outputs at their documented quality boundary.
Quality Gate
- At least 5 competitors analyzed
- Market gaps identified with evidence (user reviews, forum posts, survey data)
- TAM/SAM/SOM estimated with methodology documented
- Opportunities ranked with clear criteria