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| Criterion |  Operations Standard Work Analysis |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude. | 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. | 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 a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min | 30–60 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-10 | 4-8 | 2-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Standard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training Needs | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProcessQuality | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Root causeQualityOperations |