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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Purposedifferent
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.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.For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise.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
MediumLowMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-45 min45-120 min2-4 h
Participantsdifferent
3-121-32-63-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleChange Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action ListFuture Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
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