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| Criterion |  Operations Kepner-Tregoe |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 2-8 h | 30–60 min | 45-90 min | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-8 | 2-5 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |