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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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 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. | 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 | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 30–60 min | 60-180 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-8 | 4-20 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |