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Strategy

Gap analysis template

Identify gaps between where your product is now and where you want it to be

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About the gap analysis template

There is always room to improve. A gap analysis helps product teams take a clear-eyed look at where the product falls short — so everyone can focus on the right improvements. Use this template to map out what is missing, where expectations are not met, and what customers actually need. Documenting this information in a central place makes it easier to spot patterns and build a plan to close the gaps.

Included in the gap analysis template

This gap analysis template includes built-in capabilities such as:

  • A menu of classic whiteboard features (including shapes, sticky notes, grids, and emojis)

  • Quick access to best practices and a pre-filled gap analysis example for guidance

  • Inline comments to gather feedback, questions, and ideas from teammates

  • A voting tool to help everyone reach a consensus

  • Presentation frames to easily share your work

Overview of the gap analysis template

Use this gap analysis template to compare your product's current state with where you need it to be — whether in functionality, integrations, user experience, or support. Identify gaps, then brainstorm concrete actions to address them. Pull in insights from customer feedback and stakeholders to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Then, align on an action plan. Set measurable goals, assign responsibilities, and define a timeline for improvements. Keep the template updated as customer needs shift and market dynamics evolve — so the team always has a clear view of what needs attention next.

How to use the gap analysis template

Identify where your product needs improvement to help inform strategic planning.

  1. Focus your analysis: Define what you want to analyze. For example, you could evaluate the gap between customer needs and your product capabilities, or explore discrepancies across strategic goals and actual performance.

  2. Define success: Gather information about your product's present state. Try to include both quantitative and qualitative data. Then, establish what success looks like by defining the specific outcomes you want to achieve (the future state).

  3. Analyze gaps: Compare your product's present and future states. Gaps between the two might include product features, performance, processes, skills, and more. Prioritize gaps based on business impact.

  4. Plan next steps: Determine the actions needed to address each gap. Use your analysis to set goals for improvement and make strategic planning decisions. Update your gap analysis as circumstances change.