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| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 45–90 min | 2-6 h | 45-90 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-10 | 2-5 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |