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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation Contradiction Analysis |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Operations Gemba Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly. | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 60-120 min | 20-45 min | 30-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-8 | Based on research question | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving | Information architectureNavigationStructure | LeanObservationProcessOperations |