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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud | ![]() 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 method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 60-120 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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