View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Iceberg Model | ![]() Operations 5 Whys | ![]() Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 15-30 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 2-6 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Root cause notes, Countermeasures | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






