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| Criterion |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Business Strategy SWOT 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. | SWOT Analysis arranges strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats into a compact picture of the situation. It keeps internal capabilities and external influences separate before strategic options emerge from them. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-2 h | 45–90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | SWOT matrix, Strategic options, Action list |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | StrategyAnalysisOptions | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | StrategyAnalysisMarketPositioning |