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Selected:Systems MappingArchitecture Inception CanvasFuture Reality TreeSoftware Architecture Canvas
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 2-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 3-8 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |