View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:Empathy MappingViews and BeyondArchitecture Decision RecordATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion | ![]() UX Research Empathy Mapping | ![]() Architecture Views and Beyond | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 30–60 min | 1-3 Tage | 15-45 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 4-8 | 1-4 | 1-3 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations |
Tagsno overlap | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |



