View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:Architecture Decision RecordCard SortingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)RAID Log
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Card Sorting |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Delivery RAID Log |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | Helps clarify scope, sequence, and delivery flow in concrete terms. It makes work, boundaries, and order steerable. The result is captured as a RAID Log and a source for status reporting. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 20-45 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 30 min Setup, dann laufend |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Based on research question | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-3 maintaining, briefing for everyone |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | RAID Log, Status Report Source |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Information architectureNavigationStructure | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RiskTrackingStakeholdersGovernance |