methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
ChatOps workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
DevOps
ChatOps
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Purposedifferent
For operational work in a distributed team, the method links communication with direct system control. It records decisions right where the signal, the context, and the execution come together.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
Ongoing15-45 min15-30 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-201-32-62-5
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Chat Transcript, Action Log, AutomationsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
CollaborationEngineeringIncident
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
Add more methods