View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Knowledge Modeling IBIS |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 2-8 | 1-4 |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
