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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 20-45 min | 1-3 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 1-10 | 2-8 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas |
Tags1 shared | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns |



