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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Systems Thinking Futures Wheel |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 60-120 min | 20-45 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-10 | 1-10 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas |
Tags1 shared | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns |