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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of Futures Wheel with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Futures Wheel
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
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.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
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h60-120 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-123-102-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsFutures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsIceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas
Tags1 shared
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Paper illustration of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis
Paper illustration of System Archetypes with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Archetypes