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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration for CATWOE Analysis.
Systems Thinking
CATWOE Analysis
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.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h0.5-3 Tage45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-125-153-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaCATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints
Tags1 shared
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders
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Often compared together

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

Rich Picture workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Rich Picture
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
Paper illustration of VUCA Scan with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
VUCA Scan