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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-12 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments |
Tags1 shared | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking |