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| Criterion |  Innovation Design Sprint |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Barrier Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. | 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 risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. | 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 | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 4-5 Tage | 15-30 min | 2-4 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-8 | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Root causeSafetyIncident | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |