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Criterion
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of an IBIS map with issues, positions and arguments
Knowledge Modeling
IBIS
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
Purposedifferent
Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable.ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation.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 statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 hSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope1-3 h1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-12Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders2-81-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer PlanPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsIssue Map, Positions, Argument NotesArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
KnowledgeMappingRisk
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
RationaleKnowledgeDecision
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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