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Selected:Expectation MappingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Decision MatrixArchitecture Communication Canvas
| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Decision Making Decision Matrix | ![]() Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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 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. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 2-8 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |



