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Criterion
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights Mapping
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.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.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.In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
30–60 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung45–90 min90-180 min
Participantsdifferent
4-83-20 Reviewer3-104-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasDecision Rights Matrix, Agreement
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility
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