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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | 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. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 15-45 min | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-3 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |
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