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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Facilitation Lean Coffee | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion | ![]() Facilitation World Café |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 group without a fixed agenda needs to get into useful conversations quickly, Lean Coffee structures the start around interests rather than a presentation. The group itself negotiates which topics get time first and which wait. | When a controversial topic needs depth and discipline at the same time, Fishbowl Discussion makes the structure of the conversation transparent. The format keeps the core small enough for real dialogue and open enough for controlled turnover. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30-90 min | 45-90 min | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-20 | 8-80 | 12-100+ |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking |



