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Criterion
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry
Paper illustration for Standard Work Analysis.
Operations
Standard Work Analysis
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude.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 a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen1-3 h45-90 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
4-12 Beobachtungen2-62-53-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain PointsStandard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training NeedsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
UX researchObservationContext
LeanProcessQuality
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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