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| Criterion | ![]() Product Strategy Impact Mapping | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Business Strategy GAP Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | 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 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. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 4-8 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | StrategyAnalysisPlanning |



