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| Criterion |  UX Research Contextual Inquiry |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Knowledge Modeling Concept 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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Wochen | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-12 Beobachtungen | 5-15 | 2-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain Points | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | UX researchObservationContext | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |