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| Criterion |  UX Research Tree Testing |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | 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. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 45–90 min | 15-30 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 3-10 | 2-6 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |