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Criterion
Gap Analysis method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
GAP Analysis
Paper mind map with a central course onboarding question, colored main branches, keywords and cross-links.
Facilitation
Mind Mapping
Paper illustration of several people silently writing ideas and passing sheets around with arrows.
Innovation
Brainwriting
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Purposedifferent
GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing.When a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early.When loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-45 min15-30 min1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-81-103-124-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk NotesMind Map, Topic Clusters, Open QuestionsIdea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized listAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
StrategyAnalysisPlanning
BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation
BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
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