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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration of many question cards around one challenge
Facilitation
Question Burst
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Paper illustration of VUCA Scan with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
VUCA Scan
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 problem gets covered up too quickly with answers, Question Burst puts the better question at the center. The format opens the thinking space before the group commits to an interpretation.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.The VUCA Scan helps read difficult situations more precisely. Instead of treating unclarity as generally complicated, the method separates fast change, missing knowledge, systemic entanglement, and ambiguous interpretation.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowMediumLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage15-30 min1-2 h30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
5-152-84-121-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaQuestion List, Reframed Challenge, Learning PromptsAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision QuestionsVUCA Map, Response Options, Signal and Learning Plan
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
QuestionsReframingFacilitationSensemaking
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
SensemakingUncertaintyComplexityStrategyForesight
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