methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
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.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.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.
Complexitydifferent
HighMediumLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage1-2 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
5-151-82-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
Add more methods

Often compared together

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

Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Red Teaming method illustration showing its working structure
Decision Making
Red Teaming
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping