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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
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.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.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 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung15-45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-83-20 Reviewer1-32-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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