Also known as problem structuring, it is the process of asking problem owners, experts and stakeholders for the knowledge, perceptions, beliefs, uncertainties and values that a model needs to embody before being populated with numbers. Methods here help in problem formulation, structuring understanding: for example, cognitive maps, soft operational research diagrams, soft systems, prompts such as PESTLE and other qualitative tools . The output of soft elicitation can lead to the building of sophisticated quantitative models  and can also structure communications and deliberations with stakeholders. Exploratory data analysis and visual analytics are also relevant. Soft elicitation has enormous advantages in setting the frame for communication between all parties ; there are many cases in which the clarity brought by framing the issues well has obviated the need for formal quantitative analysis.
IPCC
Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
IPCC Report