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Criterion
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping
Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
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 lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing.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.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowLow
Timedifferent
0.5-3 Tage30–60 min20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
5-154-81-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change AgendaEmpathy Map, Assumptions List, Research GapsBehavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events
Tagsno overlap
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking
SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop
Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration of System Archetypes with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Archetypes
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
Paper illustration for Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop