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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 Constraint Analysis.
Decision Making
Constraint 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.When an initiative stalls, the limit often lies not in the idea but in hard or soft boundary conditions. Constraint Analysis separates these limits and shows which of them can actually be shaped.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h0.5-3 Tage30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-125-152-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaConstraint List, Hard/Soft Classification, Option Impact Notes, Decision Boundaries
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
ConstraintsDecisionPlanningOptions
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
Paper illustration for Trade-off Analysis.
Decision Making
Trade-off Analysis
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree