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 | ![]() Agile Sailboat Retrospective | ![]() Agile Mad Sad Glad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a team wants to read momentum, brakes, and risks together, it offers an easily understandable picture of the situation. It makes drive, obstacles, and headwind visible in the same picture. | When a team's or workshop's mood needs to become readable, it structures emotional signals with little setup. It makes strain, relief, and sources of energy tangible. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 45–75 min | 45-90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Team members involved | 4-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | Sailboat Board, Risks, Improvement Actions | Emotion Board, Themes, Action Items |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | RetrospectiveTeamImprovement | RetrospectiveTeamReflection |



