methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of shared options, independently placed voting dots, and a highlighted shortlist.
Facilitation
Dot Voting
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of the Consensus Workshop working structure.
Facilitation
Consensus Workshop
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 a workshop has produced too many options and the group needs to condense quickly, dot voting makes preferences visible in a short time. It bundles individual votes into a solid signal for the next selection.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.When a group needs a solid decision without outvoting individual factions, a Consensus Workshop creates a negotiable common ground. It makes agreement, reservations, and open tensions discussable at the same time.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min5-15 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-33-203-20 Reviewer5-30
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRanked list, Consensus signal, ShortlistRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsConsensus Clusters, Theme Titles, Priority Areas
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
FacilitationVotingConsensusPrioritization
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
FacilitationConsensusWorkshopAlignment
Add more methods