View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Facilitation Power Interest Grid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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 many stakeholders compete for attention at once, the Power Interest Grid sorts them by influence and stake. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as a Power Interest Grid and a stakeholder-specific strategy. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Power Interest Grid, Strategy per Stakeholder |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | StakeholdersFacilitationAlignmentPlanning |



