View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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 | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 30-60 min | 10-20 min daily | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 2-8 | 1 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | Root causeQualityOperations | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | RiskRoot causeSafety |