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| Criterion | ![]() Knowledge Modeling IBIS | ![]() Decision Making Force Field Analysis | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() 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. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. | 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. | 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 | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 45-90 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 2-8 | 3-12 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Issue Map, Positions, Argument Notes | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | RationaleKnowledgeDecision | ChangeDecisionStrategy | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |



