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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Systems Mapping | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph | ![]() Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-3 h | 20-45 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 3-12 | 1-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |



