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| Criterion |  Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis |  Operations 5 Whys |  Innovation SCAMPER |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | 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. | For an existing solution under pressure to change, the method deliberately opens space for systematic variants. It directs attention to rebuilding, combining, and repurposing rather than only new basic ideas. This produces concrete evolution paths for products, offerings, or workflows. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 2-10 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | SCAMPER Idea List, Concept Shortlist, Variation Notes | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityReframingInnovation | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop |