View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 60-180 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 30-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 4-20 | 5-15 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization |



