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| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Tree Testing | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination. | 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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 Tage | 2-6 h | 1-6 Wochen | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | Based on research question | 3-10 | 4-10 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Findability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | Information architectureNavigationFindability | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



