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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Software Architecture Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Software Architecture Canvas
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
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.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.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.The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 hSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope1-2 h60-120 min
Participantsdifferent
1-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders3-102-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsArchitecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality AttributesCommunication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop
ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas
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