> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://digital-service-network.gitbook.io/ux-and-competitive-analysis/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://digital-service-network.gitbook.io/ux-and-competitive-analysis/ux-and-competitive-analysis.md).

# UX & Competitive Analysis

*This weekly blog details the development of the Digital Service Network (DSN) website. The DSN is a growing peer learning network that connects and supports digital service teams and professionals so digital government services are responsive, open, and accessible to everyone. The DSN is supported by the* [*Beeck Center for Public Impact and Innovation*](http://beeckcenter.georgetown.edu)*, and the* [*U.S. Digital Response (USDR)*](http://usdigitalresponse.org)*. The DSN website is being developed with the help of USDR volunteers and this blog describes the weekly work being done as a way to illustrate to governments the process that can be anticipated when working with USDR. Each week, we will share the experience of building this site with USDR volunteers, highlights from the week, and our “doing/done” workflow.*

*Today’s post is by* [*Michaela Caudill*](https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaela-caudill/)*:*

This week the team conducted competitive analysis asynchronously and reviewed results as a group. In this exercise, we identified other websites that had features we admired and appreciated. Overarching themes that emerged were:  

1\) we need to ensure our resources and content are discoverable; 

2\) defining who we are and what we do upfront is important; and 

3\) great design and accessible language is impactful.

The team also focused on conducting user research interviews to ensure that we’re taking a user-centered approach to our development. 

DSN’s student analysts, [Ryan Powers](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpowers1/) and [Wanying Li](https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanying-001/), led interviews to better understand 

1\) people’s current process for engaging and ingesting digital service related information and news and 

2\) opportunities and lessons learned we can incorporate into our website design. 

We sent out interview notes to individuals across the public sector - small counties, big cities, states, provinces - and were able to conduct two interviews thus far.

**Highlights from this week:** 

Two great user interviews completed + insights readout Discussion of current landscape

**Doing:** 

Scheduling and conducting user research interviews with possible users

**Done:** 

Competitive analysis 

Understanding available resources


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