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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordCausal Loop DiagramArchitecture Communication CanvasStock and Flow Diagram
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |  Systems Thinking Stock and Flow 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 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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 60-120 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Stock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation Hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking |