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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Innovation Design Thinking | ![]() Operations A3 Problem Solving | ![]() Innovation Contradiction Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For complex user problems with an uncertain cause, the method connects observation, interpretation, and experiment into a learning cycle. It keeps the focus on real needs and avoids premature solution language. This produces robust decisions for product and service. | For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together. | When a system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen | 45-90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 4-10 | 2-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Problem Statement, Prototype, Test Learnings | A3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis | Contradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept Ideas |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | InnovationPrototypeResearch | LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations | ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving |



