View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:Empathy MappingSoftware Architecture CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordAffinity Diagramming
| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  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 Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |