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 | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe | ![]() Innovation Contradiction Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 2-8 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas |
Tags1 shared | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






