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Selected:Expectation Mapping3-Circle Venn DiagramSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Alignment Mapping
| Criterion |  Facilitation Expectation Mapping |  Facilitation 3-Circle Venn Diagram |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When three perspectives matter at the same time, a Three-Circle Venn Diagram shows the overlaps and remainders precisely. It makes visible where shared effect arises and where only a partial perspective applies. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-8 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | Venn Diagram, Overlap Notes, Differentiators | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | ComparisonFacilitationAlignment | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |