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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  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. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 60-120 min | 1-3 h | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tags1 shared | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |