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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Agile Affinity Estimation |  Agile Bucket System |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When many tasks need to be classified quickly, it sorts them by perceived effort and similarity. It reduces the effort of fine-grained estimation for large volumes. | When a large batch of work needs a fast, rough estimate, it sorts items into predefined size buckets. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, and Split Candidates. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 30-90 min | 30-90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-12 | 3-12 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Affinity Size Map, Grouped Estimates, Unclear Items | Bucketed Backlog, Relative Estimates, Split Candidates | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | EstimationBacklogRelative sizing | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |