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| Criterion | ![]() Decision Making Decision Tree | ![]() Facilitation Decision Jam | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | When a decision is stuck, Decision Jam loosens the knot through structured separation of problem, idea, and selection. The format creates movement without jumping prematurely at the first seemingly elegant answer. | 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. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 60-90 min | 45–90 min | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 4-10 | 3-10 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Problem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, Experiment | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |



