View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Agile 4Ls Retrospective | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Agile Start Stop Continue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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 a sprint should not only be assessed but also learned from, it captures experience in clear learning categories. It records what worked, what's missing, and what should run differently next time. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | When a team wants to deliberately adjust its working behavior, it makes habits visible and assessable. It focuses on concrete changes instead of diffuse mood. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45–75 min | 1-2 Tage | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | Team members involved | 1-4 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | 4Ls Board, Learning Themes, Improvement Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Start Stop Continue Board, Improvement Actions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RetrospectiveLearningReflectionTeam | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | RetrospectiveImprovementTeamReflection |



