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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Product Discovery Smoke Test | ![]() 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 demand only needs to be roughly verified, it tests interest with minimal effort. It measures whether people would take a next step at all. | 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 | 1-5 Tage | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-8 | Nutzertraffic | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Interest Metrics, Conversion Signal, Learning Note | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ValidationExperimentsDemandGrowth | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |



