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
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper notes move from an inbox to action, project and calendar collections.
Operations
Getting Things Done
Purposedifferent
When work processes are known only from accounts and the real context stays hidden, Contextual Inquiry makes behavior at the workplace visible. Observation and follow-up questions together show how people actually work, get interrupted, and improvise.With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time.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 open commitments and ideas in daily life, a reliable external storage system emerges. The method relieves the mind so priority and context don't have to compete in memory.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen10-20 min daily45-90 min1-2 h Setup, laufend
Participantsdifferent
4-12 Beobachtungen12-51
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain PointsDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisAction Lists, Project List, Review Routine
Tagsno overlap
UX researchObservationContext
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
ProductivityPlanningTasksExecution
Add more methods