View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Innovation Design Sprint |  Product Discovery Assumption Mapping |  Innovation Design Thinking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 the product question is unclear and time pressure is high, the method takes a team from an open idea to a testable solution. It connects problem understanding, decision, and learning in one compact format, lowering the risk of spending a lot of energy on a mere guess. | When assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 4-5 Tage | 45-60 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 5-8 | 2-8 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Prototype, Test Findings, Decision Rationale | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | Design sprintPrototypeValidationInnovation | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | InnovationPrototypeResearch |