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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Leverage Points |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | 30–60 min | Half day | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 4-8 | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |