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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordEisenhower MatrixATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Pareto Analysis
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Eisenhower Matrix |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Decision Making Pareto 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. | It separates true priorities from noise so it becomes clear what should be done now, scheduled, delegated, or dropped. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | In many problem situations, effect is distributed unequally across many causes. A Pareto Analysis separates the few drivers with high leverage from the long remainder and focuses attention on what measurably moves the needle. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 15-30 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-6 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-6 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Eisenhower Matrix, Action List, Delegation Notes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Pareto Chart, Top Causes, Focus List |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | PrioritizationFocusTasks | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | PrioritizationQualityFocusRoot cause |