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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Operations Family Tree Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring. | For a series of incidents with a similar pattern, the method arranges individual events as branches of a common origin. It makes visible which conditions keep recurring. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 20-45 min | 60-120 min | 30-60 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 3-10 | 2-10 | 2-6 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Family Tree Diagram, Pattern Notes, Systemic Measures |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Root causePatternsIncidentSystemic |



