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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Business Strategy GAP Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | GAP Analysis compares the current state with a target picture and makes the distance manageable. It becomes useful when, ahead of new initiatives, it must become clear which capabilities, processes, or resources are missing. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 60-120 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 2-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Gap Matrix, Action Plan, Risk Notes | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyAnalysisPlanning | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |