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Criterion
Paper illustration of Working Backwards with its method-specific working model.
Product Discovery
Working Backwards
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
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 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.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 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
MediumMediumHighLow
Timedifferent
4-8 h, mehrere Iterationen45-90 min2-6 h15-30 min
Participantsdifferent
2-62-53-102-6
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Future Press Release, FAQ, Vision StatementA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation ActionsRoot cause notes, Countermeasures
Tagsno overlap
VisionNarrativeAlignment
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
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