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Selected:Architecture Decision RecordStakeholder MappingSoftware Architecture CanvasArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 60–90 min | 1-2 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |