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Criterion
Systems Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Systems Mapping
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Iceberg Model method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Iceberg Model
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.Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.The Iceberg Model separates visible events from patterns, structures, and mental models. This turns a single observation into a deeper understanding of why a problem keeps recurring.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 h30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-123-122-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsPolarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsIceberg Worksheet, Pattern Notes, Intervention Ideas
Tags1 shared
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Systems thinkingRoot causePatterns
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree
Paper illustration of Family Tree Analysis with its method-specific working model.
Operations
Family Tree Analysis