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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
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 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.Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowMedium
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage30-60 min1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
5-154-121-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette
Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming