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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
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.A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots.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.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowMedium
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage20-45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
5-151-102-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaBehavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key EventsCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points
Tags1 shared
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
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Often compared together

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

Stock and Flow Diagram method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Stock and Flow Diagram
Paper illustration of System Archetypes with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Archetypes
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop