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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Business Strategy PESTLE Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | PESTLE Analysis makes political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental influences visible. The environment of an initiative is thereby read systematically instead of through isolated trends. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | PESTLE Map, External Risks, Strategic Questions |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | StrategyAnalysisOptions | StrategyMarketAnalysis |