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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Futures Wheel | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | 30-60 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |



