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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Affinity Estimation.
Agile
Affinity Estimation
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
Paper illustration for Bucket System.
Agile
Bucket System
Purposedifferent
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.When many tasks need to be classified quickly, it sorts them by perceived effort and similarity. It reduces the effort of fine-grained estimation for large volumes.A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations.When a large batch of work needs a fast, rough estimate, it sorts items into predefined size buckets. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, and Split Candidates.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h30-90 min1-3 h30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-123-122-83-12
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsAffinity Size Map, Grouped Estimates, Unclear ItemsCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage PointsBucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
EstimationBacklogRelative sizing
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
EstimationBacklogRelative sizing
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