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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  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 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 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 10-20 min daily | 30-60 min | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1 | 2-8 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | Root causeQualityOperations | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |