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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  Business Strategy SWOT 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. | SWOT Analysis arranges strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into a compact picture of the situation. It keeps internal capabilities and external influences separate before strategic options emerge from them. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | SWOT matrix, Strategic options, Action list |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | StrategyAnalysisOptions | StrategyAnalysisMarketPositioning |