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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration for Reverse 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.With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.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
HighLowLowLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage8-15 min30-60 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
5-151-104-123-12
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaSketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction OptionsIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistReverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk
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