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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Systems Thinking Futures Wheel |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Iceberg Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Futures Wheel helps explore the consequences of a decision, a trend, or a strategic move in a structured way. It makes visible which first, second, and third-order effects could arise from an event. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 60-120 min | 2-6 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 3-8 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Futures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic Signals | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Iceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ForesightSystems thinkingSignals | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns |