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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. | 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. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 30-60 min | 45-90 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-12 | 2-5 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop |