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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Innovation Design Sprint |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Usability Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. | 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 product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 4-5 Tage | 30–60 min | 1-2 h je Session |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 5-8 | 4-8 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Usability Issues, Severity List, Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ValidationUXPrototype |