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 |  Facilitation Six Thinking Hats |  Facilitation Decision Jam |  Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a topic gets stuck too quickly in the same thinking mode, Six Thinking Hats deliberately separates the perspectives. This means facts, risks, creativity, and emotional signals get worked through one after another instead of mixed together. | When a decision is stuck, Decision Jam loosens the knot through structured separation of problem, idea, and selection. The format creates movement without jumping prematurely at the first seemingly elegant answer. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 45-90 min | 60-90 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 4-12 | 4-10 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Perspective Notes, Decision Inputs, Action Items | Problem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, Experiment | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | FacilitationOptionsDecision | FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |