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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Context Map workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Domain Modeling
Context Map
Paper illustration for Alignment Mapping.
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Stakeholder Mapping
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
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 several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries.When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable.When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-3 h1-2 h60–90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-122-84-122-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsContext Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary NotesAlignment Map, Open Issues, Decision QuestionsStakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy
AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation
StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange
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