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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
Paper illustration for Root Cause Tree Analysis
Operations
Root Cause Tree Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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 problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-30 min15-30 min1-3 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-632-82-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresClarified Story, Test Examples, Open QuestionsCause Tree, Evidence Notes, CountermeasuresA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
CollaborationBehavior-Driven DevelopmentQualityRefinement
Root causeTreeIncidentQuality
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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