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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 30–60 min | 1-3 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 4-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |