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Selected:Double DiamondSoftware Architecture CanvasArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Innovation Double Diamond |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For complex problems with a fuzzy situation, the method cleanly separates search space and decision. It first creates breadth in understanding and then focus in elaboration. This brings open questions, problem definition, and solution path into a traceable movement. | 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. | 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 | Low |
Timedifferent | Wochen bis Monate | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Solution Options, Prototypes, Deliverables per Phase | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessDivergenceInnovation | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |