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| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations Gemba Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For complex problems with a fuzzy situation, the method cleanly separates search space and decision. It first creates breadth in understanding and then focus in elaboration. This brings open questions, problem definition, and solution path into a traceable movement. | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 30-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-8 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanObservationProcessOperations |