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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow 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. | 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. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-8 | 1-3 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |