View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() 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. | 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. | 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 | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 60-180 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 4-20 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | RationaleKnowledgeDecision |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.






