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Criterion
Paper illustration of Futures Wheel with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Futures Wheel
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
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
MediumLowHighHigh
Timedifferent
60-120 min30-60 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
3-102-10Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders4-10
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsIceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention IdeasPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
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