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| Criterion | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Innovation Contradiction Analysis | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Innovation TRIZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | For technical contradictions or trade-offs, the method looks for solutions that resolve opposing requirements at the same time. It translates limits into an explicit picture of conflict that becomes workable. This produces not just compromises but more elegant principles. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 60-120 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 2-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Contradiction Statement, Inventive Principles, Solution Concepts |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | InnovationProblem solvingContradictionsCreativity |



