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| Criterion |  Operations 5 Whys |  UX Research User Interviews |  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 teams derive needs only from assumptions and real motives are missing, user interviews give direct access to behavior and meaning. Conversations from the target group's everyday life make patterns, tensions, and open questions solidly visible. | 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 | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-30 min | 30–60 min per interview | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 1 participant per interview | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Interview Notes, Themes, Insight Summary | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | QualitativeResearchCustomerDiscovery | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |
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