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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Product Discovery Assumption Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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 assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 30–60 min | 45-60 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |