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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
Paper illustration of two user profile cards with a goal, behavior evidence, and an open research question.
UX Research
Personas
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
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 target groups stay too vague and teams talk about the same people differently, personas create a shared, solid picture of usage. Condensed profiles make needs, contexts, and differences tangible enough for decisions.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
45–90 min45-90 min1-3 Tage1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
3-102-5Internes Team4-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisPersona Profiles, Needs Summary, Scenario Notes8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
ResearchCustomerSynthesis
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
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