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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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 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 | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | 2-6 h | 15-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-8 | 1-3 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |