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Selected:Architecture Inception CanvasDecision Rights MappingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)DACI
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | 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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 90-180 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 4-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |