View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Agile 4Ls Retrospective |  Operations After-Action Review |  Operations Learning Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | When a sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | After a project phase with mixed results, the method makes learning from the individual case reusable. It connects events, decisions, and systemic conditions into robust insights. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 45–75 min | 20-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Team members involved | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Learning Review Notes, System Factors, Improvement Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | LearningOperationsImprovement | LearningRetrospectiveIncidentOperations |