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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  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 a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | 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 | 2-8 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-10 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tags1 shared | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |