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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Product Strategy Lean Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-8 | 4-20 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Lean Canvas, Core Assumptions, Experiment Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | LeanStartupValidationMVP | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | StartupLeanAssumptionsBusiness model |



