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| Criterion | ![]() Operations Kepner-Tregoe | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 1-6 Wochen | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tags1 shared | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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