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| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion | ![]() Facilitation Open Space Technology | ![]() Innovation Brainstorming | ![]() Facilitation Lean Coffee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 0.5-2 Tage | 30-60 min | 30-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 8-80 | 20-500+ | 4-12 | 3-20 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue |



