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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Concept Map with concepts and labelled links
Knowledge Modeling
Concept Mapping
Six paper cards show a person moving from a problem through a service flow to a completed outcome.
UX Design
Storyboarding
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.When a usage scenario needs to become understandable early, it condenses situations, context, and flow into a legible sequence. It helps check concept ideas before anything gets built.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 h30-90 min15-45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-81-81-32-8
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge GapsStoryboard, Concept Narrative, Testable AssumptionsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleIssue Map, Positions, Argument Notes
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking
VisualizationConceptsSequencePrototype
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
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