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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 1-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeMappingRisk | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |