Qualitative Modeling

Qualitative modeling provides very quick results. It can, for example, help us to choose the right strategy, or to estimate what risks we may face in a given project.

All we need to do is to provide connections between our various factors and weight them using the values “weak,” “middle” and “strong”. Or, alternatively, we can describe the weighting with a percentage value. Having done this, we are then already able to analyze the dynamics of the situation at hand, and also identify and compare the impact that the different factors and risks will have over both the short and long term. Qualitative modeling is not only faster than quantitative modeling, it also allows us to model very large cause-impact relationships that feature all kinds of factors it even works for relationships that may seem literally impossible to describe mathematically. Another aspect of qualitative modeling is that it facilitates discussion, making it very easy for the members of a team to reach an agreement on the rough assumptions at hand. This means that they can find and ultimately share a common mental model. This is also referred to as "mental modeling."

The following is an example of a qualitative model and its insight matrix:

InsightMatrix.pdf

Here is a video (and pdf) that shows the ease with which qualitative modeling can be carried out:
EasyModelingProductDevelopment.pdf
EaseOfModeling2.mov