View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Innovation Brainstorming |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Innovation Design Charrette |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | In a tightly timed design process with many participants, the method pools several lines of thinking in a short time. It brings parallel design energy without letting the discussion tip into endless coordination. This quickly produces solid directions for architecture or space. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 1-2 h | Halber Tag bis mehrere Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 4-12 | 4-12 | 10-50 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Sketches and Concepts, Consolidated Solution Sketch, Prioritized Direction |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | BrainstormingWorkshopCollaborationIdeation |