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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations Standard Work Analysis |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | 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 the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 30–60 min | 1-3 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 4-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Standard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training Needs | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | LeanProcessQuality | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |