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Selected:ALPEN MethodArchitecture Decision RecordSoftware Architecture CanvasArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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 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 | 10-20 min daily | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1 | 1-3 | 3-10 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |