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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of a participant using a prototype while an observer takes notes beside a highlighted usability issue.
UX Research
Usability Testing
Paper illustration for Risk Storming.
Architecture
Risk Storming
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 product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down.Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
45–90 min1-2 h je Session60-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-10Based on research question4-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasUsability Issues, Severity List, RecommendationsAnnotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
ValidationUXPrototype
RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Design sheets and interface cards connect to jointly written pseudocode with highlighted unresolved questions.
Architecture
ARID (Active Reviews for Intermediate Designs)
Paper illustration of a calm four-quadrant Assumption Map with hypothesis cards and emphasis on important assumptions with little evidence.
Product Discovery
Assumption Mapping
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)