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Criterion
Paper illustration of Futures Wheel with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Futures Wheel
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
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.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.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.Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
60-120 min1-2 h2-4 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-101-83-83-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsFuture Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved InjectionsKnowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
KnowledgeMappingRisk
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