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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  UX Research Affinity Diagramming |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | IBIS structures thinking about complex questions as a sequence of issues, ideas, and arguments. The method keeps discussions open without forcing them into premature consensus. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | 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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 45–90 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 1-3 | 3-10 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areas | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause | SensemakingDecisionRationale |