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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Product Strategy Lean Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | When an early product bet still has too many open points, it brings target group, problem, and assumptions into a single view. It condenses the idea so core risks become nameable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Lean Canvas, Core Assumptions, Experiment Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | LeanStartupValidationMVP | StartupLeanAssumptionsBusiness model |



