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Criterion
Paper illustration for CATWOE Analysis.
Systems Thinking
CATWOE Analysis
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Purposedifferent
CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way.Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
45-90 min1-2 h1-3 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-83-122-82-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, ConstraintsPolarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
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