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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Product Discovery Test Card | ![]() Product Discovery Learning Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | The Test Card turns a critical assumption into a testable claim and specifies in advance which result counts as success. | The Learning Card connects traceable test results to a reasoned next action while keeping the limits of the insight visible. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 15-45 min | 20-35 min | 25-40 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-3 | 1-5 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Test Card with a pre-set threshold | Learning Card with evidence and next action |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ExperimentsValidationDiscoveryHypothesis | ExperimentsValidationDiscoveryLearning |



