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 Gemba Walk |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | 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 | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 5-20 min | 30-120 min | 20-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 2-6 | 3-12 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | EstimationEffortRisk | LeanObservationProcessOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |