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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordArchitecture Communication CanvasAffinity DiagrammingArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | 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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 60-120 min | 45–90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |