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Selected:Causal Loop DiagramATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Architecture Decision Record
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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