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Criterion
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Architecture Communication Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Communication Canvas
Purposedifferent
A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation.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.Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy.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
HighHighHighMedium
Timedifferent
2-4 hSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scopeHalf day60-120 min
Participantsdifferent
3-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders3-122-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved InjectionsPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsLeverage Map, Action StrategyCommunication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan
Tagsno overlap
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas
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