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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | 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 | High | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30–60 min | 2-6 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-8 | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |