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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Facilitation Mind Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 15-45 min | 2-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-10 | 3-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open Questions | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |