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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research First-click Testing |  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. | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | When users immediately turn the wrong way on a screen or wireframe, first click testing checks initial orientation at high speed. The first click shows early whether expectation, labeling, and wayfinding fit together. | 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 | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Based on research question | 10-30 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Information architectureNavigationStructure | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |