View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Agile 4Ls Retrospective | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 0.5-3 Tage | 45–75 min | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 5-15 | Team members involved | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



