methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Theory of Constraints.
Operations
Theory of Constraints
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
Purposedifferent
Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.For a system that does not get faster despite effort, the method directs attention to the bottleneck. It concentrates improvement on the point that actually limits throughput.With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h2-4 h Analyse, laufend1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-123-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsConstraint Map, Improvement Plan, Flow MetricsProcess Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
OperationsConstraintsFlowImprovement
ProcessOperationsImprovement
Add more methods

Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of a review with planned work, actual event sequence, comparison, and assigned improvement actions.
Operations
After-Action Review
Paper illustration for Bottleneck Analysis.
Operations
Bottleneck Analysis
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk