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| Criterion | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Innovation Morphological Analysis | ![]() Innovation TRIZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | For technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45-90 min | 1-3 h | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-5 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | IdeationInnovationCreativity | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity |



