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Selected:CATWOE AnalysisArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Inception CanvasArchitecture Communication Canvas
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |