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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  UX Research Card Sorting |  UX Research Tree Testing |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | Based on research question | Based on research question | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | Information architectureNavigationStructure | Information architectureNavigationFindability | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |