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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Decision Making DACI | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() 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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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 | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30-60 min | 60-180 min | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-10 | 4-20 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |



