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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 Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
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.When a decision needs to be prepared quickly, the method generates many solution-close variants in a short time. It deliberately relies on pace to undercut self-censorship and perfectionism. This quickly produces a usable field for prioritization and further work.When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowLowLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage30-60 min5-20 min45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
5-154-121-203-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistIdeenpool, Roh-Shortlist, ClusterLotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
BrainstormingIdeationDivergenceSpeed
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop
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