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| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Open Space Technology | ![]() Facilitation Alignment Mapping | ![]() Facilitation World Café | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | 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 | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-2 Tage | 1-2 h | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 20-500+ | 4-12 | 12-100+ | 8-80 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tags1 shared | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |



