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Criterion
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
Paper illustration of a branching category tree with a highlighted search path and possible dead ends.
UX Research
Tree Testing
Paper illustration of a participant using a prototype while an observer takes notes beside a highlighted usability issue.
UX Research
Usability Testing
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Purposedifferent
For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise.When a navigation exists but search paths still fail, tree testing checks findability without visual distraction. The method shows whether labels, levels, and paths really lead to the intended destination.When a product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down.SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
45-120 min1-2 Tage1-2 h je SessionPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope
Participantsdifferent
2-6Based on research questionBased on research questionArchitecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action ListFindability Metrics, Path Analysis, Revised IAUsability Issues, Severity List, RecommendationsDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives
Tagsno overlap
ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison
Information architectureNavigationFindability
ValidationUXPrototype
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
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