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| Criterion |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 30-90 min | 45-90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-6 | 2-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | DecisionTreeOptions | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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