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Criterion
Paper illustration for Diary Study.
UX Research
Diary Study
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Purposedifferent
When experiences build up over days or weeks and a single session cannot capture them, Diary Study records the course of everyday life. Recurring triggers, moods, and habits become visible this way, beyond the sharpness of memory.When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions.GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-4 Wochen30-120 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
5-202-62-8
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Diary Entries, Longitudinal Patterns, Experience TimelineObservation Notes, Improvement IdeasGap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
UX researchTrackingBehavior
LeanObservationProcessOperations
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry