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Criterion
Paper illustration of Futures Wheel with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Futures Wheel
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
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.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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
MediumHighMediumLow
Timedifferent
60-120 min0.5-3 Tage45-90 min30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-105-152-51-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisVUCA Map, Response Options, Signal and Learning Plan
Tagsno overlap
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
SensemakingUncertaintyComplexityStrategyForesight
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