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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking |
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