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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
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 a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
45–90 min45-90 min30–60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-54-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
Paper illustration of the Lightning Decision Jam working structure.
Facilitation
Decision Jam