View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
