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Selected:Architecture Inception CanvasAlignment MappingExpectation MappingSoftware Architecture Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Facilitation Expectation Mapping |  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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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 | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 4-12 | 3-12 | 3-10 |
Formatsame | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tags1 shared | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |