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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Operations Kaizen Event |  Innovation Design Thinking |  Operations Gemba Walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a tightly scoped process segment with noticeable waste, the method bundles shared energy for change. It suits situations that call for fast learning loops and visible adjustments. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 0.5-5 Tage | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 30-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-10 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Kaizen Charter, Waste List, Improvement Experiments, Standard Work Update | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | LeanContinuous improvementOperations | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanObservationProcessOperations |