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Criterion
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Purposedifferent
When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.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
MediumLowLow
Timedifferent
45-90 min45-90 min45–90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-82-83-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas
Tagsno overlap
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration for Trade-off Analysis.
Decision Making
Trade-off Analysis
Paper illustration of a calm four-quadrant Assumption Map with hypothesis cards and emphasis on important assumptions with little evidence.
Product Discovery
Assumption Mapping
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of DIBB with its method-specific working model.
Product Strategy
DIBB