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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Decision Making Option Framing |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 45-120 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison | StrategyAnalysisOptions |