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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration for Soft Systems Methodology.
Systems Thinking
Soft Systems Methodology
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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-3 h0.5-3 Tage
Participantsdifferent
3-121-85-15
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision RationaleRich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
SensemakingDecisionRationale
Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems 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 Cynefin Workshop.
Decision Making
Cynefin Workshop
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of the Force Field Analysis working structure.
Decision Making
Force Field Analysis
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree