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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette
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 a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.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.In a tightly timed design process with many participants, the method pools several lines of thinking in a short time. It brings parallel design energy without letting the discussion tip into endless coordination. This quickly produces solid directions for architecture or space.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h30-60 min1-2 hHalber Tag bis mehrere Tage
Participantsdifferent
3-124-124-1210-50
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision QuestionsSketches and Concepts, Consolidated Solution Sketch, Prioritized Direction
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
BrainstormingWorkshopCollaborationIdeation
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