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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations Gemba Walk |  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. | 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. | 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 | 30-120 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-6 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | LeanObservationProcessOperations | InnovationPrototypeResearch | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |