methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration showing three sorted card stacks and an open question about a possible group.
UX Research
Card Sorting
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper mind map with a central course onboarding question, colored main branches, keywords and cross-links.
Facilitation
Mind Mapping
Paper illustration of several people silently writing ideas and passing sheets around with arrows.
Innovation
Brainwriting
Purposedifferent
When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.When a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early.When loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
20-45 min1-3 h15-45 min15-30 min
Participantsdifferent
Based on research question2-81-103-12
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Content groups, Label set, IA hypothesesIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesMind Map, Topic Clusters, Open QuestionsIdea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized list
Tagsno overlap
Information architectureNavigationStructure
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation
BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas
Add more methods