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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation Contradiction Analysis | ![]() Innovation Design Thinking | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Innovation TRIZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly. | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | 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 technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 15-30 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-10 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts |
Tagsno overlap | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving | InnovationPrototypeResearch | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity |



