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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30–60 min | 30-90 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-8 | 2-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders |