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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 Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowHigh
Timedifferent
4-8 h, mehrere Iterationen15-30 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
2-62-63-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Future Press Release, FAQ, Vision StatementRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
VisionNarrativeAlignment
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper fishbone diagram with a measurable effect at the head and six labeled cause branches.
Operations
Fishbone Diagram