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Selected:Affinity DiagrammingSoftware Architecture CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | 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 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 | 45–90 min | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 3-10 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |