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Criterion
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
First-click Testing method illustration showing its working structure
UX Research
First-click Testing
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 navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination.LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail.When users immediately turn the wrong way on a screen or wireframe, first click testing checks initial orientation at high speed. The first click shows early whether expectation, labeling, and wayfinding fit together.
Complexitydifferent
HighMediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope1-2 Tage3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional1-2 Tage
Participantsdifferent
Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholdersBased on research question1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people10-30
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsFindability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IALean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checksClick Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean
UXNavigationFindabilityValidation
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