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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Innovation Double Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 0.5-5 Tage | Wochen bis Monate |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 4-10 | 4-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | ProcessDivergenceInnovation |