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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations ABC Analysis |  Operations Fishbone 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 10-20 min daily | 30-60 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1 | 1-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | Root causeQualityOperations |