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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordCurrent Reality TreeATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Theory of Constraints Thinking Process
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Current Reality Tree |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Theory of Constraints Thinking Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Current Reality Tree condenses many symptoms into a few causal chains. The method makes visible which core problems drive several negative effects at once. | 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. | The Theory of Constraints Thinking Process exposes a system's bottleneck and the logic behind it. It suits situations where many symptoms trace back to the same limiting relationship. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | High | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Current Reality Tree, Core Problems, Intervention Ideas | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Current Reality Logic, Conflict Cloud, Future Reality Tree, Implementation Obstacles |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingRoot causeConstraintsCausality | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | Theory of ConstraintsConstraintsSystems thinkingCausality |