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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
Runbook workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Runbook
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
Operations
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis
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.For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access.ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation.For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowHighHigh
Timedifferent
15-45 min20-60 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope2-6 h
Participantsdifferent
1-31-4Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders3-10
Formatdifferent
AsyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
ADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRunbook, Checklist, Escalation PathPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsFMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
OperationsReliabilityDocumentation
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause
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