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Criterion
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration for Trade-off Analysis.
Decision Making
Trade-off Analysis
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 several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.With limited resources, quality, speed, cost, and risk almost always compete with each other. Trade-off Analysis makes these tensions explicit and prevents decisions from producing hidden side effects.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h45-90 min1-2 h45-120 min
Participantsdifferent
2-82-81-82-8
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Issue Map, Positions, Argument NotesDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsTrade-off Matrix, Criteria List, Decision Rationale, Accepted Downsides
Tagsno overlap
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
TradeoffsDecisionCriteriaOptions
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