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Selected:Architecture Decision Record8D Problem SolvingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)5 Whys
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-6 Wochen | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 4-10 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |