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 Causal Loop Diagram |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tags1 shared | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
