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Selected:Expectation MappingSoftware Architecture CanvasAccountability LadderATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Expectation Mapping | ![]() Architecture Software Architecture Canvas | ![]() Operations Accountability Ladder | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | With defensive reactions to problems, the method shifts the view from justification to ownership. It makes visible which reaction stage a person or team is currently stuck on. | 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 | Low | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 1-2 h | 20-45 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-10 | 1-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Ownership Reflection, Action Commitment, Coaching Notes | 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 | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ResponsibilityLeadershipTeam | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |



