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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 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. | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-8 | 2-8 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SensemakingDecisionRationale | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



