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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Based on research question | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Information architectureNavigationFindability | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |