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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 for Golden Path
Engineering
Golden Path
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
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 teams need a reliable default path for frequent use, sprawl quickly emerges without any guiding logic. Golden Path bundles the preferred path so good practice becomes easy and deviation becomes deliberate.When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min1-3 Tage Setup, laufend1-2 Tage
Participantsdifferent
1-32-8Based on research question
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleGolden Path Guide, Templates, Quality ChecksFindability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IA
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
EngineeringProductivityGovernance
Information architectureNavigationFindability
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Design sheets and interface cards connect to jointly written pseudocode with highlighted unresolved questions.
Architecture
ARID (Active Reviews for Intermediate Designs)
Paper illustration showing three sorted card stacks and an open question about a possible group.
UX Research
Card Sorting
First-click Testing method illustration showing its working structure
UX Research
First-click Testing