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| Criterion | ![]() Operations PDCA Cycle | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-180 min | 30-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 5-15 | 4-20 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization |



