methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights Mapping
Purposedifferent
When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer.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.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
45–90 min15-45 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung90-180 min
Participantsdifferent
3-101-33-20 Reviewer4-12
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasADR File, Decision Log, RationaleRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsDecision Rights Matrix, Agreement
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility
Add more methods