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Selected:Empathy MappingArchitecture Inception CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordAffinity Diagramming
| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |