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Criterion
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Design sheets and interface cards connect to jointly written pseudocode with highlighted unresolved questions.
Architecture
ARID (Active Reviews for Intermediate Designs)
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
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.Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.ARID examines how well developers can work with a technical design. It focuses on a part of the system that can still be revised, between the architecture overview and the detailed specification.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min1-2 h2–4 h review as a planning range; preparation and evaluation additional1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-31-8Designers, developers as users, and facilitation2-8
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleConcept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsPrioritized development tasks, Jointly produced code or pseudocode, Observed difficulties and open design questions, Proposed design revisionsIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ArchitectureEngineeringFeedbackValidationTasks
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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