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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |  Innovation Lotus Blossom |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. | When a central question feels too large, the method breaks it into neighboring topic fields with their own depth of ideation. It holds structure and openness at the same time, so adjacent perspectives don't get lost. This grows an idea space out of a core problem. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 3-10 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan | Lotus Diagram, Idea Themes, Shortlist | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | KnowledgeMappingRisk | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityDivergenceWorkshop | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |