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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min | 2-6 h | 30–60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 3-8 | 4-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeMappingRisk | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RiskRoot causeSafety | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop |