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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Design Thinking as a learning loop: an observation notebook, a focused problem statement, different idea sketches, a cardboard prototype and user-test notes. Feedback leads to new understanding.
Innovation
Design Thinking
Rich Picture workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Rich Picture
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.For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service.A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early.
Complexitydifferent
HighHighLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
5-154-102-10
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaProblem Statement, Prototype, Test LearningsRich Picture, Problem Framing Notes
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
InnovationPrototypeResearch
Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration for CATWOE Analysis.
Systems Thinking
CATWOE Analysis
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
A paper-based illustration representing Design Sprint with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Design Sprint
Paper illustration of Outcome-Driven Innovation with its method-specific working model.
Product Discovery
Outcome-Driven Innovation