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Selected:Systems MappingCATWOE AnalysisSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Future Reality Tree
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | 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 | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |