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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Product Discovery Jobs to Be Done | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 switching motives and progress are unclear, it reconstructs the situation from real customer circumstances. It shows why a switch happens and what kind of progress is being sought. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-3 Wochen | 15-30 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 5-12 Interviews | 2-6 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Job Stories, Outcome Statements, Opportunity List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | CustomerOutcomesNeeds | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |



