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| Criterion |  Decision Making Constraint Analysis |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped. | 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 research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-3 h | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Constraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
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