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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyTeam Topologies Interaction ModesAlignment MappingExpectation Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Team Design Team Topologies Interaction Modes |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Facilitation Expectation 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 several teams collaborate repeatedly, it describes the right interaction mode for each interface between them. It clarifies responsibility, interaction, and load between teams. The result is captured as an interaction heat map and pairwise agreements. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Half day | 1-2 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | Team-Leads plus Architecture | 4-12 | 3-12 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Interaction Heat Map, Agreements per Pair | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | TeamAlignmentCollaborationOrganization | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam |