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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 Root Cause Analysis.
Operations
Root Cause Analysis
Paper illustration for 8D Problem Solving.
Operations
8D Problem Solving
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 a problem keeps recurring and the cause stays unclear, the method exposes the underlying mechanism. It separates symptom, guess, and robust explanation from one another.For an acute quality or delivery problem, the method structures immediate protection and root cause work together. It keeps the situation stable while the actual cause is investigated cleanly.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighMediumHigh
Timedifferent
15-45 min1 Tag bis mehrere Wochen1-4 h1-6 Wochen
Participantsdifferent
1-34-103-84-10
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleProblem Statement, Prototype, Test LearningsProblem Statement, Cause Hypotheses, Confirmed Causes, Action Plan8D Report, Containment Plan, Root Cause Evidence, Corrective Action Plan
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
InnovationPrototypeResearch
Root causeProblem solvingQualityIncident
QualityProblem solvingRoot cause
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