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| Criterion | ![]() Decision Making Pre-Mortem | ![]() UX Research Affinity Diagramming | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Operations ALPEN Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | In early initiatives with many uncertainties, planning quickly turns too optimistic. A pre-mortem makes the expected failure visible in advance and sharpens the view of causes, gaps, and countermeasures. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 20–45 min | 45–90 min | 2-6 h | 10-20 min daily |
Participantsdifferent | Small cross-functional group | 3-10 | 3-10 | 1 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Risk list, Mitigation plan, Assumption log | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes |
Tagsno overlap | RiskDecisionFailurePlanning | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations |



