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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow Diagram |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | 15-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-3 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
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