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Selected:Decision TreeArchitecture Inception CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordSoftware Architecture Canvas
| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Software Architecture 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. | 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. | 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 Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 3-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop |