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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  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. | 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. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 2-6 h | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-8 | 3-10 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |