View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:5 WhysReverse BrainstormingRoot Cause AnalysisLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |  Operations Root Cause Analysis |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 30-60 min | 1-4 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas | Problem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk | Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean |