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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research User Interviews |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | When teams derive needs only from assumptions and real motives are missing, user interviews give direct access to behavior and meaning. Conversations from the target group's everyday life make patterns, tensions, and open questions solidly visible. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30–60 min | 30–60 min per interview |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-8 | 1 participant per interview |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Interview Notes, Themes, Insight Summary |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | QualitativeResearchCustomerDiscovery |
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