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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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 |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 45-90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |
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