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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 45-90 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 1-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics |



