The Usability Benchmark defines the ergonomic strengths and weaknesses of competing or similar products and best practices in terms of user experience. This benchmark allows for the design of a competitive product that is positioned at the leading edge of user experience.

This type of analysis offers a number of benefits:

• Identifying the various approaches associated with a specific product type and assessing its ergonomic strengths and weaknesses.
• Discovering the best practices.
• Identifying key functions: those that that make a contribution and those to be avoided.
• Defining which usability criteria will guide the design process.

The Usability Benchmark complements the task analysis and Personas processes.