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Selected:Affinity DiagrammingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Empathy MappingRisk Storming
| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Risk Storming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | 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. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 30–60 min | 60-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation |