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| Criterion | ![]() Operations DMAIC | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Product Discovery Assumption Mapping | ![]() Architecture Risk Storming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a process problem with fluctuating performance, the method brings analysis and improvement into a disciplined sequence. It creates a framework in which numbers, causes, and control come together. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | When assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 2-12 Wochen | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-60 min | 60-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Project Charter, Measurement Plan, Cause Analysis, Control Plan | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementQualityProcess improvement | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation |



