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Criterion
Paper illustration of Leverage Points with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
Leverage Points
Paper illustration for Evaporating Cloud.
Systems Thinking
Evaporating Cloud
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Future Reality Tree.
Systems Thinking
Future Reality Tree
Purposedifferent
Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy.The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict.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.A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation.
Complexitydifferent
HighMediumHighHigh
Timedifferent
Half day60-120 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope2-4 h
Participantsdifferent
3-122-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders3-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Leverage Map, Action StrategyConflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next ExperimentsPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsFuture Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingChangeStrategy
Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange
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