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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Gemba Walk | ![]() UX Research User Interviews | ![]() 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 teams derive needs only from assumptions and real motives are missing, user interviews give direct access to behavior and meaning. Conversations from the target group's everyday life make patterns, tensions, and open questions solidly visible. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 30–60 min per interview | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1 participant per interview | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Interview Notes, Themes, Insight Summary | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | QualitativeResearchCustomerDiscovery | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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