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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  UX Research Card Sorting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | 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 content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 Tage | 45-90 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Based on research question | 2-5 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Information architectureNavigationFindability | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Information architectureNavigationStructure |