View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 30-60 min | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-10 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |



