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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Systems Thinking Rich Picture | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. | A Rich Picture brings an unclear situation onto a shared drawing. It captures actors, tensions, information flows, and blind spots before the team jumps to solutions too early. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-5 | 2-10 | 4-20 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | ComplexitySensemakingDecision |



