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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Systems Mapping | ![]() Facilitation Mind Mapping | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 60-180 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-10 | 4-20 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open Questions | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



