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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Product Strategy ICE Scoring |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 ideas need sorting quickly, it condenses impact, confidence, and effort into one compact score. It connects customer value, product logic, and decision priorities. The result is captured as an ICE table and top-ideas list. | When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | ICE Table, Top Idea List | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | PrioritizationScoringGrowthDecision | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs |