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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | 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 | Low | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 1-6 Wochen | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-10 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | InnovationPrototypeResearch | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |