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 Gemba Walk |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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 | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 30-120 min | 20-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 2-6 | 1-10 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | LeanObservationProcessOperations | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |