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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 60-180 min | 45–90 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 4-20 | 3-10 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |