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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ABC Analysis |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  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. | With many similar objects of differing economic significance, the method prioritizes effort by effect. It separates what needs regular steering from what rarely needs attention. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | 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 | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30-60 min | 2-6 h | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-5 | 3-10 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |