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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Facilitation Expectation Mapping |  Facilitation 3-Circle Venn Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | When three perspectives matter at the same time, a Three-Circle Venn Diagram shows the overlaps and remainders precisely. It makes visible where shared effect arises and where only a partial perspective applies. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-12 | 3-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Venn Diagram, Overlap Notes, Differentiators |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | ComparisonFacilitationAlignment |