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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Product Strategy Impact Mapping |  Systems Thinking Theory of Change |  Product Strategy GIST Planning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 goal needs to be connected to several possible paths, it shows chains of impact instead of feature lists. It connects business goal, behavior change, and measures. | Theory of Change translates a desired impact into a traceable chain of change. It makes assumptions, intermediate goals, and measurement points visible before a program is rolled out at scale. | GIST Planning helps clarify target groups, value, goals, and priorities. It links customer value, product logic, and decision priorities, and captures the result as goals, an idea bank, and a step-project list. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 2-6 h | Wochen bis Monate je Goal |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-8 | 4-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Impact Map, Outcome Hypotheses, Delivery Options | Theory of Change Map, Assumptions, Outcome Measures | Goals, Idea bank, Step-project list, Tasks, Learning reports |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | OutcomesStrategyBehaviorPlanning | ImpactOutcomesSystems thinkingStrategy | RoadmapOutcomesPlanningExperiments |