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Selected:Architecture Inception CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordAffinity DiagrammingArchitecture Communication Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 45–90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |