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| Criterion | ![]() Facilitation Mind Mapping | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Innovation Brainwriting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early. | 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. | 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. | When loud voices or hierarchy distort the idea search, the method creates a quiet entry into joint development. It gives everyone thinking space and gathers contributions without social brakes, making diversity more visible and easier to build on. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-10 | 1-3 | 1-4 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open Questions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Idea sheets, Expanded concepts, Prioritized list |
Tagsno overlap | BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | BrainstormingCollaborationInclusionIdeas |



