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Systems Thinking

Systems-Thinking Model

Layer Guiding Question
Purpose Why does this system exist?
Functions / Capabilities What does it do?
Mechanisms / Principles How does it achieve that?
Architecture / Structure How are parts organized?
Components / Implementations What are the concrete parts?

general to specific: 1. Purpose → 2. Functions → 3. Mechanisms → 4. Architecture → 5. Components

causal hierarchy: Purpose drives Functions requires Mechanisms determines Architecture composes Components