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 Polarity Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 2-4 h | 1-3 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking |