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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
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.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMedium
Timedifferent
45–90 min30–60 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-104-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration of the Lightning Decision Jam working structure.
Facilitation
Decision Jam
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe