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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Domain Modeling Context Map |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | When several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-6 Wochen | 1-3 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-10 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Context Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary Notes | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |