Benchmark
A benchmark is a structured study of references, competitors, and relevant design patterns.
It should not be a random collection of screenshots. Each reference should have a reason.
Boundary
Benchmark is analytical.
It studies what other products, competitors, or references do and what can be learned from them.
Moodboard is more atmospheric. It collects feeling, tone, and visual direction.
Style Tile is more synthetic. It turns decisions into a compact visual proposal.
Good Benchmark Notes Include
- why the reference was saved
- what pattern it uses
- what works well
- what does not work
- how it could help the current project
Good Questions
- What user problem does this reference solve?
- What pattern is reusable?
- What should not be copied?
- What does this reveal about user expectations?
- What does this reveal about the market or category?