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Selected:Affinity DiagrammingConcept MappingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Knowledge Mapping
| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge 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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | KnowledgeMappingRisk |