methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

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 of VUCA Scan with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
VUCA Scan
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment 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.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.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage15-30 min30-90 min1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
5-152-81-104-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaQuestion List, Reframed Challenge, Learning PromptsVUCA Map, Response Options, Signal and Learning PlanAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
QuestionsReframingFacilitationSensemaking
SensemakingUncertaintyComplexityStrategyForesight
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
Add more methods