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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations After-Action Review |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 20-45 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 3-12 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | InnovationPrototypeResearch | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |