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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | 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 | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |