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 |  Operations After-Action Review |  Agile Mad Sad Glad |  Agile Sailboat Retrospective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 20-45 min | 30-60 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-12 | 3-10 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Emotion Board, Themes, Action Items | Sailboat Board, Risks, Improvement Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | LearningOperationsImprovement | RetrospectiveTeamReflection | RetrospectiveTeamImprovement |