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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordFishbone DiagramAfter-Action ReviewATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Fishbone Diagram |  Operations After-Action Review |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 problem has several possible contributing factors, the method sorts causes by cause areas. It prevents an initial hunch from blocking the view of other plausible drivers. | After missions or project phases with unclear outcomes, the method makes visible what actually happened and what can be learned from it. It separates course, effect, and causes so experience turns into solid improvement. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 30-60 min | 20-45 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Fishbone Diagram, Cause Categories, Investigation Backlog | Lessons learned, Action items, Event summary | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeQualityOperations | LearningOperationsImprovement | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |