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
Context Map workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Domain Modeling
Context Map
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
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.When several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
60-120 min1-3 h2-4 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-102-83-83-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsContext Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary NotesFuture Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved InjectionsSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Add more methods