methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for Learning Review.
Operations
Learning Review
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
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.After a project phase with mixed results, the method makes learning from the individual case reusable. It connects events, decisions, and systemic conditions into robust insights.For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-3 h2-8 h
Participantsdifferent
2-63-102-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresLearning Review Notes, System Factors, Improvement ActionsProblem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
LearningRetrospectiveIncidentOperations
Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations
Add more methods

Often compared together

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

A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
A structured reflection surfaces what was liked, learned, lacked, and longed for. It is a conversation format and does not validate actions automatically.
Agile
4Ls Retrospective
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving