View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 45–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
