STfA

Visual patterns

Visuals

Grasp system patterns quickly: curated diagrams for concepts and method-specific artifacts for diagnostics.

Concept visuals

All concepts with a dedicated diagram as a visual entry point into the underlying system pattern.

Concept visualBalancing loop

Adaptation

Adaptation: Balancing loop for stabilization in changing environmental conditions.

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Concept visualFeedback model

Circular Causality

Circular Causality: Cause and effect influence each other.

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Concept visualBalancing loop

Complex Adaptive Systems

Complex Adaptive Systems: Local adaptation leads to emergent stabilization.

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Concept visualStock and flow

Constraints and Bottlenecks

Constraints and Bottlenecks: Bottlenecks limit the flow in the entire system.

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Concept visualBoundary model

Conway's Law

Conway's Law: Team boundaries are reflected in architectural boundaries.

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Concept visualDeceleration dynamics

Delays

Delay Loop: The effect occurs with a time delay and generates late countermeasures.

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Concept visualReinforcing loop

Emergence

Emergence: Interactions create new patterns that can reinforce themselves.

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Concept visualFeedback model

Feedback Loops

Feedback Loop: Repercussions change future decisions in the system.

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Concept visualFeedback model

Interdependence

Interdependence: Subsystems continuously influence each other.

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Concept visualBalancing loop

Leverage

Leverage: Small interventions at leverage points create a disproportionate effect.

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Concept visualFeedback model

Mental Models

Mental Models: Assumptions influence decisions and reproduce results.

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Concept visualReinforcing loop

Non Linear Effects

Non-Linear Effects: Small causes can trigger large and amplified effects.

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Concept visualBoundary model

Open and Closed Systems

Open and Closed Systems: Different boundary definitions change observation and control.

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Concept visualDeceleration dynamics

Policy Resistance

Policy Resistance: System reacts with delay and circumvents interventions.

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Concept visualBalancing loop

Purpose and Function

Purpose and Function: Goal image controls decisions and stabilizes alignment.

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Concept visualBalancing loop

Requisite Variety

Requisite Variety: Control must be at least as variable as the environment.

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Concept visualBalancing loop

Resilience

Resilience: Feedback keeps the system functioning despite disruptions.

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Concept visualReinforcing loop

Self-Organization

Self Organization: Local rules create self-reinforcing structural patterns.

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Concept visualBoundary model

Sociotechnical Architecture

Sociotechnical Architecture: Technology, team and organizational boundaries must be thought of together.

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Concept visualBoundary model

System Boundaries

System Boundary: Included and excluded elements shape the diagnostic quality.

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Concept visualFeedback model

Systems Thinking in the Architecture Context

System Thinking: Decisions, effects and signals form a learning cycle.

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Concept visualBoundary model

Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Architecture

Top-Down Bottom-Up: Strategic and local control meet at boundary points.

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Diagnostic artifacts

Each diagnostic method includes its own artifact so the working style remains visually understandable.

Diagnostic artifactDeceleration dynamics

Assumption Mapping

Assumption Map to prioritize uncertain assumptions based on impact and need for validation.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Behaviour over Time Charts

Behavior curves over time to detect early growth, erosion or oscillation.

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Diagnostic artifactBoundary model

Boundary Critique

Boundary map to make excluded stakeholders and blind spots visible.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

CATWOE Analysis

CATWOE canvas with six perspectives on those affected, actors, transformation and environmental conditions.

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Diagnostic artifactCLD artifact

Causal Loop Diagrams

CLD of a platform scaling problem with amplifying load and balancing capacity.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Critical Systems Heuristics

CSH question grid for motivation, control, expertise and legitimacy of a system boundary.

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Diagnostic artifactStock and flow

Dependency Mapping

Dependency map as a flow diagram with bottlenecks between services and teams.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Iceberg Model

Iceberg model with four levels of depth from events to mental models.

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Diagnostic artifactDeceleration dynamics

Policy Structure Mapping

Policy structure map that connects decision rules to observable system effects.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Rich Picture Mapping

Rich picture with tensions, actors and areas of conflict in a common situation picture.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Root Definition Analysis

Root Definition Canvas to clarify transformation, purpose and responsibility framework.

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Diagnostic artifactDeceleration dynamics

Scenario Analysis

Scenario canvas for comparing robust architectural assumptions under different future situations.

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Diagnostic artifactBoundary model

Social Network Analysis

Network image of informal communication paths with central and isolated roles.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Soft Systems Methodology

SSM overview with problem space, learning loop and iterative comparison between world view and action.

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Diagnostic artifactBoundary model

Stakeholder Mapping

Stakeholder map to classify influence, impact and veto potential.

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Diagnostic artifactStock and flow

Stock and Flow Mapping

Stock-and-flow model for measuring accumulation and throughput.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Strategic Options Development and Analysis

SODA map for condensing competing perspectives into common strategic options.

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Diagnostic artifactFeedback model

Systems Clues in Everyday Language

Language pattern map that makes evidence of blame, boundaries and implicit control logic visible.

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Diagnostic artifactStock and flow

Viability Audit with VSM

VSM audit structure to check whether operational, coordinating and controlling functions work together sustainably.

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Diagnostic artifactBoundary model

Viable System Model

VSM structure map with operational units, coordination and governance.

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