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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Product Discovery Riskiest Assumption Test |
|---|---|---|---|
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 an idea hinges on one critical unknown, it prioritizes testing that exact piece of uncertainty first. It separates problem, assumption, solution, and evidence. The result is captured as a prioritized list of assumptions, a test plan, and a result report. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 1-2 Wochen pro Iteration |
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 | Prioritized Assumption List, Test Plan, Results Report |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ExperimentsValidationDiscoveryAssumptions |
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