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| Criterion |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 45-90 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-5 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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