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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
Design Thinking as a learning loop: an observation notebook, a focused problem statement, different idea sketches, a cardboard prototype and user-test notes. Feedback leads to new understanding.
Innovation
Design Thinking
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration for DACI
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.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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.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
LowHighMediumLow
Timedifferent
15-45 min1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen1-3 h30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
1-34-101-82-10
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleProblem Statement, Prototype, Test LearningsArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision RationaleDACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
InnovationPrototypeResearch
SensemakingDecisionRationale
DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment
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