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| Criterion |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Systems Thinking Intervention Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | Intervention Mapping translates a need for change into a planned, evaluable program. The method connects target group, determinants, actions, and measurement into a traceable chain. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 1-5 Tage | 2-4 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 4-12 | 3-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Logic Model, Change Objectives, Intervention Components, Evaluation Plan | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationStructure | ChangeSystems thinkingCapability | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange |