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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  UX Research Card Sorting |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-8 | Based on research question |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Information architectureNavigationStructure |
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
