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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 20-45 min | 1-3 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | Based on research question | 3-12 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | Information architectureNavigationStructure | KnowledgeMappingRisk | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |