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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree | ![]() Innovation Brainwriting | ![]() Operations Causal Factor Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 15-30 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-12 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Idea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized list | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |



