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 |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  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. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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 | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30-60 min | 30–60 min | 20-45 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-10 | 4-8 | 1-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality |