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Selected:Architecture Inception CanvasLean StartupATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Risk Storming
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Architecture Risk Storming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | 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. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 60-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | LeanStartupValidationMVP | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation |



