View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
