To understand the market of my application, it is important to assess and determine the strengths and weaknesses of applications and websites within the market so I can make knowledgeable decisions based on the results I have found, to give my application an advantage. To carry out the competitor analysis I will be using the SWOT framework which will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of each product.
Headspace
APP OVERVIEW:An app that offers guided mediation courses to help bring calm, wellness and balance to your life in just a few minutes a day. The app uses animations to teach new skills and to answer questions. The app also allows the user to track their progress.
Strengths: The app uses mediation music to reduce stress and anxiety and the short clips keep people returning to the app as they unlock more throughout their journey.
Weaknesses: The user has to pay for premium and often people relate the lyrics however it is all instrumental music
Opportunities: The app has notifications and courses to unlock and complete to make the user return to the app
Threats: The interface design may not appeal to some people as it can be see as quite childish with the animations.
Smule
APP OVERVIEW:An app that allows users to connect with others from around the world and sing with them to their favourite songs. It is karaoke based and the user can do solos, duets or groups. There is also a chance to sing with big artists.
Strengths: The app is a fun way to connect with people using music
Weaknesses: The app doesn’t appeal to everyone, for example the camera feature and having to sing may put people off, especially if they are feeling anxious or down.
Opportunities: It is potentially like a therapy without labeling it as one; it is fun, interactive and it could take someones mind off negative thoughts.
Threats: It is used for fun and in personal music rather than person, serious ways of looking at music
Calm
APP OVERVIEW:No. 1 App for mediation and sleep. The app uses sleep stories, breathing programmes, masterclasses and relaxing music. Its aim is to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as helping with sleep. There are many topics to choose from such as Relationships, Forgiveness and Happiness.
Strengths: A wide range of music to suit different needs and allows the user to unlock different parts of the application based on duration of use and premium accounts which keeps the application interesting and fun
Weaknesses: The app requires the user to pay for premium after the free trial
Opportunities: There is something for everyone – breathing exercises and mediation music for anxiety, sleep, confidence and more.
Threats: It has quite a messy interface design; there are lots of busy pictures which create a confusing and stressful experience which is something that should be avoided when using a calming app.
Georgia Fortnum - Final Project Research Blog 