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| Criterion |  Innovation Design Thinking |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Usability Testing |
|---|---|---|---|
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 product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 45–90 min | 1-2 h je Session |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 3-10 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Usability Issues, Severity List, Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationPrototypeResearch | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ValidationUXPrototype |
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