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| Criterion |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations MORT Analysis |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | For a safety-relevant event or a system with high protection requirements, the method examines where controls failed. It exposes both technical and organizational gaps. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 30–60 min | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | MORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic Recommendations | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Root causeSafetySystemicIncident | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |