methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for TRIZ
Innovation
TRIZ
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
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 technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles.When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighLow
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-4 h30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-84-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresContradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution ConceptsIdea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
Add more methods

Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration for Contradiction Analysis.
Innovation
Contradiction Analysis
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette