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Criterion
Paper illustration for DACI
Decision Making
DACI
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.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.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
30-60 min1-3 h45-90 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
2-101-82-81-3
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision LogArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision RationaleDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment
SensemakingDecisionRationale
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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