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Criterion
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Stakeholder Mapping
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
Paper illustration for Problem Framing Workshop.
Facilitation
Problem Framing Workshop
Purposedifferent
Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.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.When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first.When a team works on symptoms but the real question stays fuzzy, a Problem Framing Workshop sharpens the view of the right problem. It separates observation, interpretation, and target picture from each other.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighLowLow
Timedifferent
45-90 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope60–90 min60-120 min
Participantsdifferent
2-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders2-84-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Assumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsStakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk NotesProblem Statement, Scope Boundaries, Assumption List, Next Analysis Questions
Tagsno overlap
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange
FacilitationAlignmentDiscovery
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