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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Business Strategy TOWS Matrix | ![]() Decision Making Option Framing |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyAnalysisOptions | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison |
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