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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |  Knowledge Modeling Concept 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. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 2-4 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-8 | 3-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking |