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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Fault Tree Analysis | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Operations MORT Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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. | 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. | For a safety-relevant event or a system with high protection requirements, the method examines where controls failed. It exposes both technical and organizational gaps. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | MORT Worksheets, Findings per Branch, Corrective Actions, Systemic Recommendations |
Tagsno overlap | RiskRoot causeSafety | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Root causeSafetySystemicIncident |



