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| Criterion |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Architecture arc42 |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 45-90 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 2-5 | 1-4 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |