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
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process Mapping
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration of the Lightning Decision Jam working structure.
Facilitation
Decision Jam
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Purposedifferent
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.For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.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
MediumLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-30 min60-90 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-64-102-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement BacklogRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresProblem Cluster, Prioritized Challenge, ExperimentA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
ProcessOperationsImprovement
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
FacilitationDecisionProblem solvingWorkshop
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
Add more methods