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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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