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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Facilitation Open Space Technology | ![]() Facilitation Lean Coffee | ![]() Facilitation World Café |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 complex topic does not yet have a fitting agenda, Open Space Technology hands topic ownership back to the participants. The format suits questions that only move forward when real interest determines the order. | When a group without a fixed agenda needs to get into useful conversations quickly, Lean Coffee structures the start around interests rather than a presentation. The group itself negotiates which topics get time first and which wait. | When a group needs to connect many viewpoints in a short time, World Café creates a calm alternation between closeness and rotation. It sets thinking in motion without forcing the conversation into full-plenary rigidity. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 0.5-2 Tage | 30-90 min | 60-180 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 20-500+ | 3-20 | 12-100+ |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Session Marketplace, Proceedings, Action Topics | Prioritized Topics, Discussion Notes, Action Items | Table Notes, Emergent Themes, Shared Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | FacilitationLarge groupAutonomy | FacilitationAutonomyDialogue | FacilitationDialogueLarge groupSensemaking |



