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
Visual Management workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Visual Management
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Purposedifferent
With high tempo and many parallel topics, the method makes status, deviations, and priorities visible at a glance. It reduces search effort and prevents what matters from getting lost in daily work.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.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.For a disturbance that's hard to pin down, the method cleanly separates problem, cause, and decision. It reduces mixing when symptoms allow several interpretations.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowHigh
Timedifferent
Ongoing45-90 min45-90 min2-8 h
Participantsdifferent
1-202-52-82-8
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Visual Board, Status Indicators, Exception CuesA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanProblem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan
Tagsno overlap
SignalsOperationsVisual management
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations
Add more methods