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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Product Strategy Counter Metrics |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a headline metric could mask side effects, it adds guardrail signals against unwanted outcomes. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as a counter-metric list and guardrail definitions. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Counter Metric List, Guardrail Definitions |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | MetricsMeasurementStrategyExperiments |
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