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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation Design Thinking | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis | ![]() Operations Fault Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | 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 critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 2-6 h | 2-4 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 3-10 | 2-6 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationPrototypeResearch | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | Root causeSafetyIncident | RiskRoot causeSafety |



