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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations Family Tree 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. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | For a series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 30-60 min | 2-6 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 2-10 | 3-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic |