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| Criterion | ![]() Operations PDCA Cycle | ![]() Innovation Design Thinking | ![]() Innovation Double Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | For complex problems with a fuzzy situation, the method cleanly separates search space and decision. It first creates breadth in understanding and then focus in elaboration. This brings open questions, problem definition, and solution path into a traceable movement. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | Wochen bis Monate |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-10 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | InnovationPrototypeResearch | ProcessDivergenceInnovation |
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