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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Product Strategy Impact Mapping |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Wardley Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | Wardley Mapping makes visible where an offering stands today and where it can evolve. The method connects user need, value chain, and evolution stages into a strategic basis for platform, build, or buy decisions. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-8 | 3-8 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Wardley Map, Strategic Options, Evolution Notes |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | StrategySystems thinkingDynamics |