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Selected:Polarity MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Behavior Over Time GraphCausal Loop Diagram
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) | ![]() Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph | ![]() 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. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 20-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |



