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| Criterion | ![]() Innovation How Might We | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Operations Family Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a stuck problem carrying many implicit assumptions, the method translates observations into open, workable questions. It sharpens the problem frame without pre-thinking the solution, turning frustration or fuzziness into a search space with clear direction. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | For a series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30–45 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 3-8 | 2-10 | 2-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | HMW Questions, Challenge Framing, Idea Prompts | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures |
Tagsno overlap | FramingOpportunityIdeationQuestions | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic |



