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Selected:Fault Tree AnalysisATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Affinity DiagrammingFailure Mode and Effects Analysis
| Criterion |  Operations Fault Tree Analysis |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Operations Failure Mode and Effects Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For a critical top event with several possible triggers, the method logically models failure paths. It makes visible which combinations of conditions can lead to damage. | 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 research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer. | For a process, product, or service with noticeable failure risks, the method assesses possible failure modes in advance. It directs attention to combinations of occurrence, effect, and detectability. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 2-6 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45–90 min | 2-6 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-10 | 3-10 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Fault Tree, Critical Paths, Cause Hypotheses, Control Actions | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | FMEA Table, Risk Priority, Mitigation Actions |
Tagsno overlap | RiskRoot causeSafety | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | RiskQualityOperationsRoot cause |