Starting at the left, consider the question in each box and how it applies to the scenario. The key is to read each question carefully. Once you feel comfortable with your selection, drag the scenario card into the corresponding system type. Or use ✨ AI Place to walk the scenario through the questions for you.

Once you have classified your system, you can craft the appropriate response. For complex and complicated systems, you can use the Lean Change Cycle reordered as appropriate. Simple systems don’t require experiments—they rely on recognizing patterns, applying known solutions, and moving forward with confidence. The key is to match your approach to the nature of the system.

Clear cause-and-effect relationships. The right answer is known and repeatable. Little variation or ambiguity.

Insights → Match → Act
Recognize what’s happening, match it to a known solution, and act with confidence.

Cause-and-effect exists but requires expertise or analysis to uncover. Multiple possible solutions may exist, and planning is useful.

Insights → Options → Experiments
Gather insights, identify viable options, and test or validate before implementing at scale.

Unpredictable, emergent, and shaped by interactions. There is no clear path—patterns emerge through action and feedback.

Experiments → Insights → Options
Start with safe-to-try experiments, gather insights from what emerges, and explore options based on real feedback.