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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 Evaporating Cloud.
Systems Thinking
Evaporating Cloud
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.The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 h15-45 min60-120 min
Participantsdifferent
3-121-32-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleConflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Paper illustration for Intervention Mapping.
Systems Thinking
Intervention Mapping
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points