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| Criterion |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Innovation Lean Startup |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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 | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-5 Tage | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | 4-10 | 2-8 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanStartupValidationMVP | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |