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| Criterion |  Innovation Lean Startup |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | 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 | High | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 30–60 min | 1-6 Wochen | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-8 | 4-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | LeanStartupValidationMVP | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |