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Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
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.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.
Complexitysame
LowLow
Timedifferent
15-30 min45–90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-63-10
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas
Tags1 shared
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of Barrier Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Barrier Analysis