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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  UX Design Customer Journey Canvas |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | When a journey needs to be understood across several phases, it arranges experience, touchpoints, and opportunities into one picture. It makes gaps and friction along the user path clear. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Customer Journey Canvas, Pain Points, Experience Opportunities | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | JourneyCustomerService designCanvas | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |