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| Criterion |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Operations Time Blocking |  UX Research Usability Testing |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | With a calendar that grows on request, the method makes available time explicit again. It combines appointments, focus work, and buffer into a more realistic day structure. | 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 15-30 min Planung, laufend | 1-2 h je Session | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 1 | Based on research question | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Blocked Calendar, Capacity View, Focus Plan | Usability Issues, Severity List, Recommendations | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationStructure | PlanningTime managementFocus | ValidationUXPrototype | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |