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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Agile 4Ls Retrospective |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Agile Mad Sad Glad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 a sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. | 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. | When a team's or workshop's mood needs to become readable, it structures emotional signals with little setup. It makes strain, relief, and sources of energy tangible. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45–75 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | Team members involved | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Emotion Board, Themes, Action Items |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | RetrospectiveTeamReflection |