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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of a branching impact map with a Why goal at the root, actor circles, How behavior changes and What options.
Product Strategy
Impact Mapping
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
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 a goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures.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.A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h45-90 min2-6 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-123-83-82-8
Formatsame
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsImpact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery OptionsCurrent Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention IdeasCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning
Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
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