methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

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 Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems 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.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.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.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
60-120 min1-2 h1-3 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-101-83-123-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsKnowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer PlanSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
KnowledgeMappingRisk
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Add more methods