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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
Stock and Flow Diagram method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Stock and Flow Diagram
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.For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise.A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-3 h45-120 min2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-61-6
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsChange Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action ListStock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison
DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
Paper illustration of System Dynamics Simulation with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics Simulation
Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree