View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Facilitation Fishbowl Discussion |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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 | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 5-15 | 8-80 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Discussion Insights, Observed Tensions, Follow-up Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationDialogueLarge group |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






