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| Criterion |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  UX Research User Interviews |  Operations Kaizen Event |  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 teams derive needs only from assumptions and real motives are missing, user interviews give direct access to behavior and meaning. Conversations from the target group's everyday life make patterns, tensions, and open questions solidly visible. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30–60 min per interview | 0.5-5 Tage | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 1 participant per interview | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Interview Notes, Themes, Insight Summary | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | QualitativeResearchCustomerDiscovery | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |