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Selected:Empathy MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)8D Problem SolvingAffinity Diagramming
| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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. | 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 | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |