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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Delivery Shape Up |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Shape Up helps clarify scope, sequence, and delivery flow. It makes work boundaries and decisions explicit and captures results as pitches, bet-table decisions, and hill charts. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 6 Wochen Cycle + 2 Wochen Cool-Down | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-4 pro Pitch | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Pitches, Bet-table decisions, Hill charts, Cooldown outcomes | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | PlanningDeliveryAutonomy | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |