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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Business Strategy PESTLE Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | 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. | PESTLE Analysis makes political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental influences visible. The environment of an initiative is thereby read systematically instead of through isolated trends. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-2 h | 45–90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | PESTLE Map, External Risks, Strategic Questions |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | StrategyAnalysisOptions | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | StrategyMarketAnalysis |