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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture arc42 |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |