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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)
Paper illustration for Bucket System.
Agile
Bucket System
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 large batch of work needs a fast, rough estimate, it sorts items into predefined size buckets. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, and Split Candidates.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 TageSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope30-90 min
Participantsdifferent
1-4Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders3-12
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
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 investigationsBucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
EstimationBacklogRelative sizing
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration for Affinity Estimation.
Agile
Affinity Estimation
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
Views and Beyond method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Views and Beyond