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 Systems Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Assumption Surfacing | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() 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. | Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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 | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 60-180 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-8 | 4-20 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Assumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning Plan | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



