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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
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
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.The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring.
Complexitysame
LowLow
Timedifferent
15-30 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresIceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas
Tags1 shared
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis
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