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| Criterion |  Innovation Design Thinking |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Usability Testing |  UX Research First-click 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 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 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. | When users immediately turn the wrong way on a screen or wireframe, first click testing checks initial orientation at high speed. The first click shows early whether expectation, labeling, and wayfinding fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 30–60 min | 1-2 h je Session | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 4-8 | Based on research question | 10-30 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Usability Issues, Severity List, Recommendations | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationPrototypeResearch | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ValidationUXPrototype | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation |