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Selected:Architecture Inception CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordStrategy Execution LoopSoftware Architecture Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Business Strategy Strategy Execution Loop |  Architecture Software Architecture 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. | The Strategy Execution Loop helps avoid treating strategy as a one-off document. It makes visible how strategic decisions are turned into objectives, initiatives, operational work, measurement, and learning. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | Initial 3-6 h, then monthly or quarterly reviews | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 5-12 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Execution Loop, Review Cadence, Strategic Learning Log | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ExecutionCadenceLearningGovernance | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |