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
Paper matrix with seven SCAMPER rows, operator prompts and variations for a course portal.
Innovation
SCAMPER
Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
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.For an existing solution under pressure to change, the method deliberately opens space for systematic variants. It directs attention to rebuilding, combining, and repurposing rather than only new basic ideas. This produces concrete evolution paths for products, offerings, or workflows.When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighLowLow
Timedifferent
15-30 min1-4 h30-60 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-82-103-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Root cause notes, CountermeasuresContradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution ConceptsSCAMPER Idea List, Concept Shortlist, Variation NotesLotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityReframingInnovation
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop
Add more methods