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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Agile Bucket System |  Agile Ideal Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | 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. | When effort needs to be thought of as real working time, it offers a simple common denominator for comparison. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as Ideal Day Estimates, Assumption Notes, and Capacity Caveats. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 5-20 min | 30-90 min | 15-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-20 | 3-12 | 2-9 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates | Ideal Day Estimates, Assumption Notes, Capacity Caveats |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | EstimationEffortRisk | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | EstimationEffortAgile |