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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() DevOps Blameless Postmortem | ![]() Operations Runbook | ![]() Operations After-Action Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 an incident with damage or a near miss, the method creates a sober field for learning without assigning blame. It directs attention to the course of events, conditions, and effective countermeasures. | For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-90 min | 20-60 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-12 | 1-4 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Postmortem Doc, Action Items, Timeline | Runbook, Checklist, Escalation Path | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Site Reliability EngineeringIncidentLearningReliability | OperationsReliabilityDocumentation | LearningOperationsImprovement |



