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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation TRIZ |  UX Research Card Sorting |  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. | For technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. | 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. | 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 | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-4 h | 20-45 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-8 | Based on research question | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |