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Criterion
Paper illustration for Design Studio
UX Design
Design Studio
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Purposedifferent
When several designs need to be quickly put in relation to each other, it makes ideas visible and comparable. It encourages early variants instead of long upfront debates.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
MediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h45–90 min30–60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-83-104-8
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Sketches, Concept Directions, Design DecisionsTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps
Tagsno overlap
SketchingCollaborationIdeation
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Starbursting with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Starbursting