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| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Product Discovery Smoke Test |  Innovation Design Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When demand only needs to be roughly verified, it tests interest with minimal effort. It measures whether people would take a next step at all. | When the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-5 Tage | 4-5 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-8 | Nutzertraffic | 5-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Interest Metrics, Conversion Signal, Learning Note | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | ValidationExperimentsDemandGrowth | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation |