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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Facilitation Dot Estimation |  Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping |  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. | When size or effort can only be estimated roughly, Dot Estimation condenses the group's experience into a quick range. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as an Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, and Discussion Targets. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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 | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 5-20 min | 1-2 h | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-20 | 1-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Effort Heatmap, Risk Signals, Discussion Targets | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | EstimationEffortRisk | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |