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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Risk Matrix |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a project faces many possible disruptions, it quickly becomes unclear which risks deserve attention first. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Risk Matrix and a Top Risk List. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 15-45 min | 30-60 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 1-3 | 3-10 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Risk Matrix, Top Risk List | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | RiskDecisionPrioritizationAssessment | SensemakingDecisionRationale |