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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 45–90 min | 30-60 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-10 | 2-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline |