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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
A paper-based illustration representing Design Sprint with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Design Sprint
Design Thinking as a learning loop: an observation notebook, a focused problem statement, different idea sketches, a cardboard prototype and user-test notes. Feedback leads to new understanding.
Innovation
Design Thinking
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.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.When the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess.For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowHighHigh
Timedifferent
45–90 min45-90 min4-5 Tage1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen
Participantsdifferent
3-102-85-84-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanPrototype, Test Findings, Decision RationaleProblem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation
InnovationPrototypeResearch
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