methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper mind map with a central course onboarding question, colored main branches, keywords and cross-links.
Facilitation
Mind Mapping
Paper illustration for Fishbowl Discussion.
Facilitation
Fishbowl Discussion
Paper illustration of several people silently writing ideas and passing sheets around with arrows.
Innovation
Brainwriting
Paper illustration for World Café.
Facilitation
World Café
Purposedifferent
When a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early.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 loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min45-90 min15-30 min60-180 min
Participantsdifferent
1-108-803-1212-100+
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open QuestionsDiscussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up QuestionsIdea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized listTable Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation
FacilitationDialogueLarge group
BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas
FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking
Add more methods