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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 Tage | 2-8 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Based on research question | 2-8 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Information architectureNavigationFindability | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |