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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Innovation 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence |
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
