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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation How Might We | ![]() Operations Process Mapping | ![]() Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30–45 min | 1-3 h | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 3-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | HMW Questions, Challenge Framing, Idea Prompts | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | FramingOpportunityIdeationQuestions | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LearningOperationsImprovement |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






