From Wikipedia:

<aside> 💡 A3 problem solving is a structured problem-solving and continuous-improvement approach, first employed at Toyota and typically used by lean manufacturing practitioners.[1] It provides a simple and strict procedure that guides problem solving by workers. The approach typically uses a single sheet of ISO A3-size paper, which is the source of its name.[1]

</aside>

While the roots of A3 are in manufacturing, like many lean techniques it can be applied in a modified way to knowledge-work such as software and product development (and management).

Jim Benson (author of “Personal Kanban” and inventor of Lean Coffee) describes it in this way:

*A3 thinking and A3s in knowledge work are very different than A3s in mechanical environments. There is more variation, unknowns, and human involvement.

This means that our approach to the A3 must shift to one that is more collaborative, provides triggers for deep thought, and provide an evolving understanding of how our actions are impacting our problem statement.

This different approach is key to success with A3s in high variation environments, where problems are more political, more prone to being blocked, or harder to get permission to even investigate.*

You can watch and listen to Jim talking through this here.

A template for A3 problem solving