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Criterion
Paper illustration for Worst Possible Idea
Innovation
Worst Possible Idea
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Purposedifferent
For a seemingly familiar problem with paralyzing seriousness, the method dissolves pressure and fear of judgment. It deliberately makes failure pictures extreme, so hidden assumptions become visible faster. This clarifies what a workable path should avoid.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 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
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
20-45 min45-90 min15-30 min
Participantsdifferent
3-122-52-6
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Bad Idea List, Reframed Concepts, Idea ShortlistA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisRoot cause notes, Countermeasures
Tagsno overlap
IdeationCreativityDivergence
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
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Often compared together

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

A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration for Kepner-Tregoe
Operations
Kepner-Tregoe
Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration for Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis