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Criterion
Design Thinking as a learning loop: an observation notebook, a focused problem statement, different idea sketches, a cardboard prototype and user-test notes. Feedback leads to new understanding.
Innovation
Design Thinking
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
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.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 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.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowMedium
Timedifferent
1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen45-90 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
4-102-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Problem Statement, Prototype, Test LearningsAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option
Tagsno overlap
InnovationPrototypeResearch
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
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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)
A paper-based illustration representing Design Sprint with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Design Sprint