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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Innovation Brainstorming | ![]() Innovation Reverse Brainstorming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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. | For persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 30-60 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-8 | 4-12 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist | Reverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk |



