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| Criterion |  Operations Time Blocking |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a calendar that grows on request, the method makes available time explicit again. It combines appointments, focus work, and buffer into a more realistic day structure. | 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 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. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min Planung, laufend | 30–60 min | 45–90 min | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | 1 | 4-8 | 3-10 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Blocked Calendar, Capacity View, Focus Plan | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | PlanningTime managementFocus | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |