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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
Three Amigos method illustration showing its working structure
Agile
Three Amigos
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.When story, test, and implementation could drift apart, it brings business perspective, engineering, and quality together early. It prevents a story from being read differently only late in the process.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 process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-30 min15-30 min45-90 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
2-632-53-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresClarified Story, Test Examples, Open QuestionsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
CollaborationBehavior-Driven DevelopmentQualityRefinement
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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