Fehlersicht

Fehlersicht is a term used in German-language disciplines to denote a perspective or approach that centers on errors and faults within a system. The word combines Fehl (error) and Sicht (view or perspective). In practice, Fehlersicht refers to the intentional focus on identifying, understanding, and addressing failures to improve reliability and safety. It is often contrasted with approaches that emphasize successful performance.

The concept appears in fields such as quality management, safety engineering, risk assessment, and cognitive psychology. It is used to structure analyses like post‑incident reviews, root‑cause analysis, and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). The aim is to make latent weaknesses visible and to derive corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Implemented effectively, Fehlersicht is typically part of a broader Fehlermanagement and is supported by a blameless safety culture to encourage reporting.

Approach and methods include collecting fault reports, applying techniques such as fault tree analysis, FMEA, cause‑and‑effect diagrams, and conducting iterative learning cycles. Outcomes commonly involve process redesigns, additional safeguards, improved training, or changes in interfaces and procedures. Challenges can arise from a tendency toward blame, information overload, or misinterpretation of data if the focus becomes solely on individuals rather than systemic causes.

Relation to related concepts includes Fehlerkultur, Sicherheitskultur, and Lerneffekt. In psychology, Fehlersicht can also refer to how errors are perceived and interpreted in decision making, highlighting the balance between error awareness and constructive learning.