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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Purposedifferent
Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.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.When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.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.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-3 h45-90 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-121-82-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision RationaleDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
SensemakingDecisionRationale
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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