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| Criterion |  UX Research Contextual Inquiry |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Systems 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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Wochen | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-12 Beobachtungen | 5-15 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain Points | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | UX researchObservationContext | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange |
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