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Selected:Systems MappingPolarity MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Future Reality Tree
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  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. | 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. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | 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 | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |