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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation How Might We | ![]() Operations Family Tree Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Operations Barrier Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a stuck problem carrying many implicit assumptions, the method translates observations into open, workable questions. It sharpens the problem frame without pre-thinking the solution, turning frustration or fuzziness into a search space with clear direction. | For a series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | For a risk that can only be managed through multiple layers of protection, the method examines the effectiveness of each barrier. It shows where safeguards are missing, too weak, or fail under real conditions. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–45 min | 2-4 h | 30-60 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 2-6 | 2-10 | 2-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | HMW Questions, Challenge Framing, Idea Prompts | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Barrier Inventory, Failure Analysis per Barrier, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | FramingOpportunityIdeationQuestions | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Root causeSafetyIncident |



