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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Leverage Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Leverage Map, Action Strategy |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy |