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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Innovation Rapid Ideation |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | When a decision needs to be prepared quickly, the method generates many solution-close variants in a short time. It deliberately relies on pace to undercut self-censorship and perfectionism. This quickly produces a usable field for prioritization and further work. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 30-120 min | 5-20 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 2-6 | 1-20 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | Ideenpool, Roh-Shortlist, Cluster | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanObservationProcessOperations | BrainstormingIdeationDivergenceSpeed | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop |