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| Criterion | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Architecture Risk Storming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | 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. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 30–60 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 60-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-5 | 4-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation |



