View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Mind Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-90 min | 1-2 h | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 2-10 | 1-8 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open Questions | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



