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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 1-8 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange |