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| Criterion |  Innovation Design Thinking |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Innovation Design Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | 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. | When the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 4-5 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 3-10 | 4-8 | 5-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationPrototypeResearch | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation |