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
Paper illustration of Working Backwards with its method-specific working model.
Product Discovery
Working Backwards
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Paper illustration for DACI
Decision Making
DACI
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Purposedifferent
When the target state and benefit need to be clear first, it thinks backward from the desired outcome into the product logic. It sharpens vision, objections, and value proposition before elaboration.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.In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated.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
MediumLowLowHigh
Timedifferent
4-8 h, mehrere Iterationen15-30 min30-60 min2-8 h
Participantsdifferent
2-62-62-102-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Future Press Release, FAQ, Vision StatementRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresDACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision LogProblem Analysis, Decision Analysis, Risk Plan
Tagsno overlap
VisionNarrativeAlignment
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment
Problem solvingRoot causeDecisionOperations
Add more methods