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| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | 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 a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 30–60 min | 45-90 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-5 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |