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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | 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 statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-3 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 2-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-8 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | SensemakingDecisionRationale |