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| Criterion |  Business Strategy TOWS Matrix |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 30–60 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | StrategyAnalysisOptions | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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