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Selected:Polarity MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Causal Loop DiagramStock and Flow Diagram
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) | ![]() Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram | ![]() Systems Thinking Stock and Flow 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 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. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
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 | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |



