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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming
Purposedifferent
arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes.ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation.When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.For persistent errors or blockages, the method shifts the view to the opposite of the desired effect. It exposes the mechanics of failure and makes hidden causes easier to grasp. This makes improvement more concrete and the problem clearer.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 TageSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope30-60 min30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
1-4Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders4-123-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistReverse Ideas, Risk Themes, Solution Ideas
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityRisk
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