View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Engineering Fault Isolation | ![]() 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 | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 30-180 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 3-12 | 1-6 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Fault Isolation Map, Test Log, Excluded Hypotheses, Narrowed Fault Area | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | TroubleshootingDiagnosisEngineering | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |



