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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Product Strategy Lean Canvas | ![]() Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 an early product bet still has too many open points, it brings target group, problem, and assumptions into a single view. It condenses the idea so core risks become nameable. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 60-120 min | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-6 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Lean Canvas, Core Assumptions, Experiment Backlog | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | StartupLeanAssumptionsBusiness model | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | LeanStartupValidationMVP |



