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Criterion
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
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.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.GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen1-2 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
4-12 Beobachtungen1-82-8
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain PointsConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
UX researchObservationContext
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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Often compared together

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

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
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Paper illustration of a six-field PESTLE grid
Business Strategy
PESTLE Analysis
Scenario Planning method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
Scenario Planning