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Criterion
Paper illustration of Futures Wheel with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Futures Wheel
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of VUCA Scan with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
VUCA Scan
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.Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.The VUCA Scan helps read difficult situations more precisely. Instead of treating unclarity as generally complicated, the method separates fast change, missing knowledge, systemic entanglement, and ambiguous interpretation.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
60-120 min1-2 h30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-103-121-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsPolarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsVUCA Map, Response Options, Signal and Learning Plan
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
SensemakingUncertaintyComplexityStrategyForesight
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Scenario Planning method illustration showing its working structure
Business Strategy
Scenario Planning