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| Criterion |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations ABC Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | With many similar objects of differing economic significance, the method prioritizes effort by effect. It separates what needs regular steering from what rarely needs attention. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 2-5 | 1-5 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | ABC Classification, Focus Rules, Control List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationStructure | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | PrioritizationOperationsPortfolio | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |