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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Facilitation World Café | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 5-15 | 12-100+ | 8-80 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |



