View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |  Facilitation Nominal Group Technique |  Facilitation Lean Coffee |  Facilitation Dot Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 loud voices could dominate a round, Nominal Group Technique protects individual thinking time from group effects. It collects ideas separately first and only then enables shared weighting. | 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 workshop has produced too many options and the group needs to condense quickly, dot voting makes preferences visible in a short time. It bundles individual votes into a solid signal for the next selection. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 60-120 min | 30-90 min | 5-15 min |
Participantsdifferent | 8-80 | 5-12 | 3-20 | 3-20 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Ranked Ideas, Clarified Options, Group Priority | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Ranked list, Consensus signal, Shortlist |
Tags1 shared | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | FacilitationPrioritizationVotingInclusion | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | FacilitationVotingConsensusPrioritization |