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
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights 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.IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
15-45 min1-3 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung90-180 min
Participantsdifferent
1-32-83-20 Reviewer4-12
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsDecision Rights Matrix, Agreement
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility
Add more methods