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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 2-6 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 3-8 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns |