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Criterion
Paper illustration of an eight-panel idea sheet with varied sketches beside a timer set to eight minutes.
Innovation
Crazy 8s
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Purposedifferent
With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development.When a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowHigh
Timedifferent
8-15 min30-60 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope
Participantsdifferent
1-104-12Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Sketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction OptionsIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations
Tagsno overlap
BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette