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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation TRIZ | ![]() Operations Change Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. | 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 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 | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-4 h | 45-120 min | 15-30 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-6 | 2-6 | 2-5 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis |
Tagsno overlap | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations |



