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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
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Intervention Mapping.
Systems Thinking
Intervention 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.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.SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning.Intervention Mapping translates a need for change into a planned, evaluable program. The method connects target group, determinants, actions, and measurement into a traceable chain.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumHighHigh
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 hPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope1-5 Tage
Participantsdifferent
3-123-12Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting4-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
System Map, Dependencies, Leverage PointsPolarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternativesLogic Model, Change Objectives, Intervention Components, Evaluation Plan
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
ChangeSystems thinkingCapability
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