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Criterion
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
Paper illustration of a participant using a prototype while an observer takes notes beside a highlighted usability issue.
UX Research
Usability Testing
Paper illustration showing three sorted card stacks and an open question about a possible group.
UX Research
Card Sorting
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.When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination.When a product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down.When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
30–60 min1-2 Tage1-2 h je Session20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
4-8Based on research questionBased on research questionBased on research question
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsFindability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAUsability Issues, Severity List, RecommendationsContent groups, Label set, IA hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ValidationUXPrototype
Information architectureNavigationStructure
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