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Criterion
Context Map workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Domain Modeling
Context Map
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of DIBB with its method-specific working model.
Product Strategy
DIBB
Purposedifferent
When several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries.Plans often contain assumptions that were never openly stated and remain dangerous precisely because of that. Assumption Surfacing makes these silent premises visible and prioritizes which of them carry the initiative or could sink it.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.DIBB helps clarify target groups, value, goals, and priorities by making the logic behind a decision explicit. It captures results as a DIBB document, belief list, bet list, and learning report.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowHighLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h45-90 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope1-2 h
Participantsdifferent
2-82-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders2-8
Formatsame
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Context Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary NotesAssumption List, Critical Assumptions, Learning PlanPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsDIBB document, Belief list, Bet list, Learning report
Tagsno overlap
Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy
AssumptionsRiskDecisionDiscovery
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
StrategyDecisionAssumptionsHypothesis
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