View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  Systems Thinking Leverage Points |  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. | 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. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. | 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 | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 30-90 min | Half day | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 2-10 | 3-12 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints |
Tags1 shared | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders |