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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|
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 statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-8 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SensemakingDecisionRationale | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |
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