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| Criterion |  Product Discovery Working Backwards |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Operations 5 Whys |  Operations Causal Factor 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. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | 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 an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 4-8 h, mehrere Iterationen | 1-3 h | 15-30 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-6 | 2-8 | 2-6 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Future Press Release, FAQ, Vision Statement | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions |
Tagsno overlap | VisionNarrativeAlignment | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline |