methodatlas
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Criterion
Paper illustration of Starbursting with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Starbursting
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Purposedifferent
Helps clarify ideas, open questions, and testable next steps in concrete terms. It opens the thinking space, collects ideas, and leads to testable options. The result is captured as a star-shaped question map, question list, and assumption list.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 team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.
Complexitysame
LowLowLow
Timedifferent
30-60 min45–90 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-103-104-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Star-Shaped Question Map, Question List, Assumption ListTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasIdea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingIdeationWorkshopDiscovery
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation