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| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Lean Coffee | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 | 2-8 | 8-80 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | FacilitationDialogueLarge group | SensemakingDecisionRationale |



