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
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper illustration for PDCA Cycle.
Operations
PDCA Cycle
Process Mapping method illustration showing its working structure
Operations
Process 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.When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions.For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode.With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min30-120 min1 h bis mehrere Wochen1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-32-61-83-10
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleObservation Notes, Improvement IdeasPDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard ChangeProcess Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
LeanObservationProcessOperations
Continuous improvementLeanExperiments
ProcessOperationsImprovement
Add more methods