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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation Morphological Analysis | ![]() Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Innovation TRIZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a search for solutions with many degrees of freedom, a grid emerges for systematic combinations. The method separates features, variants, and exclusion criteria, so the space gets explored deliberately. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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. | For technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 2-6 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Morphological Box, Concept Combinations, Idea Shortlist | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts |
Tagsno overlap | IdeationInnovationCreativity | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity |



