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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations Gemba Walk |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 30–60 min | 30-120 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | LeanObservationProcessOperations | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |