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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Domain Modeling Context Map |  Domain Modeling Domain Context Map |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries. | When a domain model and its associated contexts need to be thought through together, it creates a shared overview. It connects the business view and organizational boundary into a readable whole. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-8 | 3-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Context Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary Notes | Domain Context Map, Boundary Notes, Ownership Map | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy | Domain-Driven DesignContextBoundaries | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |