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| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  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 several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. | 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 | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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