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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Decision Making DACI |  Facilitation Consensus Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. | When a group needs a solid decision without outvoting individual factions, a Consensus Workshop creates a negotiable common ground. It makes agreement, reservations, and open tensions discussable at the same time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 30-60 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-10 | 5-30 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log | Consensus Clusters, Theme Titles, Priority Areas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment | FacilitationConsensusWorkshopAlignment |