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 Futures Wheel | ![]() Facilitation World Café | ![]() Facilitation Lean Coffee | ![]() 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. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 60-180 min | 30-90 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 12-100+ | 3-20 | 8-80 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |



