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Criterion
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Architecture Inception Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Inception Canvas
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
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.The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.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
MediumLowMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-3 h1-2 h1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
2-83-83-20 Reviewer1-3
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopAsyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Issue Map, Positions, Argument NotesInception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open QuestionsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
AlignmentArchitectureCanvas
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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