methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
Purposedifferent
When work processes are known only from accounts and the real context stays hidden, Contextual Inquiry makes behavior at the workplace visible. Observation and follow-up questions together show how people actually work, get interrupted, and improvise.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.When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen10-20 min daily45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
4-12 Beobachtungen13-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain PointsDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options
Tagsno overlap
UX researchObservationContext
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
Add more methods

Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Diary Study.
UX Research
Diary Study
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper notes move from an inbox to action, project and calendar collections.
Operations
Getting Things Done