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
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Expectation Mapping.
Facilitation
Expectation Mapping
Paper illustration for Fault Isolation.
Engineering
Fault Isolation
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
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 roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge.In technical failures, the visible symptom often gets mixed up with the actual cause. Fault Isolation narrows the fault space and progressively reduces which part of the system is truly affected.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
45-90 min45-90 min30-180 min1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-53-121-64-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisExpectation Map, Alignment Notes, AgreementsFault Isolation Map, Test Log, Excluded Hypotheses, Narrowed Fault AreaAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
AlignmentStakeholdersTeam
TroubleshootingDiagnosisEngineering
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
Add more methods