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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | 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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 1-8 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |