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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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 | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-4 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
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