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Criterion
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.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
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
30-120 min1-3 h15-45 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-81-32-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Observation Notes, Improvement IdeasIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesADR File, Decision Log, RationaleA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
LeanObservationProcessOperations
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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