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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of the Lightning Decision Jam working structure.
Facilitation
Decision Jam
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 options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared 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.When a decision is stuck, Decision Jam loosens the knot through structured separation of problem, idea, and selection. The format creates movement without jumping prematurely at the first seemingly elegant answer.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
45–90 min45-90 min30–60 min60-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-84-84-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsProblem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, Experiment
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop
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