View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Software Architecture 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 Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
