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 Open Space Technology | ![]() Facilitation World Café |
|---|---|---|---|
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 a complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 0.5-2 Tage | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 20-500+ | 12-100+ |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






