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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Design sheets and interface cards connect to jointly written pseudocode with highlighted unresolved questions.
Architecture
ARID (Active Reviews for Intermediate Designs)
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Purposedifferent
Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly.ARID examines how well developers can work with a technical design. It focuses on a part of the system that can still be revised, between the architecture overview and the detailed specification.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h2–4 h review as a planning range; preparation and evaluation additional15-45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-8Designers, developers as users, and facilitation1-32-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsPrioritized development tasks, Jointly produced code or pseudocode, Observed difficulties and open design questions, Proposed design revisionsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ArchitectureEngineeringFeedbackValidationTasks
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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