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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-8 | 2-5 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | SensemakingDecisionRationale |