View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |  Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. | For persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-5 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk |