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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 45–90 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-10 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tags1 shared | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |
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