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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
Software Architecture Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Software Architecture Canvas
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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.The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly.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.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
LowLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-2 h45-90 min2-8 h
Participantsdifferent
2-63-102-52-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresArchitecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality AttributesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisProblem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations
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