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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordBehavior Over Time GraphCurrent Reality TreeCausal Loop Diagram
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | A Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 20-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-10 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |