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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 1-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | SensemakingDecisionRationale | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |