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 Stock and Flow Diagram |  Systems Thinking Rich Picture |  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. | 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. | 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 | 30-90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 2-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses | Rich Picture, Problem Framing Notes | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tags1 shared | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking | Systems thinkingSoft systemsFramingVisualization | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
