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| Criterion |  Facilitation Lean Coffee |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Facilitation World Café |  Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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 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 | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 15-45 min | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 1-3 | 12-100+ | 8-80 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |