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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
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
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.Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h60-120 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-103-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsFutures Wheel, Consequence Chains, Strategic SignalsSystem Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points
Tags1 shared
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ForesightSystems thinkingSignals
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Paper illustration for Intervention Mapping.
Systems Thinking
Intervention Mapping
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Paper illustration for Accountability Ladder
Operations
Accountability Ladder