View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | When a problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 30-60 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Root causeQualityOperations | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
