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| Criterion |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Operations Process Mapping |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Operations Standard Work Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | When the same task is done differently depending on the person, the method exposes the reliable core. It creates comparability without unnecessarily choking off needed latitude. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-120 min | 1-3 h | 20-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 3-10 | Based on research question | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Standard Work Sheet, Deviation List, Improved Standard, Training Needs |
Tagsno overlap | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ProcessOperationsImprovement | Information architectureNavigationStructure | LeanProcessQuality |