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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
Purposedifferent
When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.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.With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.
Complexitydifferent
LowHighLow
Timedifferent
30-60 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope8-15 min
Participantsdifferent
4-12Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders1-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Idea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsSketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction Options
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette