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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 0.5-3 Tage | 60-120 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 5-15 | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |