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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | 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 |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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