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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ALPEN Method |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 10-20 min daily | 30–60 min | 2-8 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1 | 4-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations |