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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordAffinity DiagrammingFailure Mode and Effects Analysis8D Problem Solving
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |  Operations 8D Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 45–90 min | 2-6 h | 1-6 Wochen |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-10 | 3-10 | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions | 8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause | QualityProblem solvingRoot cause |