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| Criterion | ![]() Decision Making Option Framing | ![]() Business Strategy TOWS Matrix | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | In early decisions, alternatives are often still vague, incomplete, or blended together. Option Framing brings every possibility into a comparable form and makes visible which variant actually fits the question. | The TOWS Matrix connects internal strengths and weaknesses with external opportunities and threats into action-oriented strategies. It goes a step further than a pure stocktaking. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 45-120 min | 1-2 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-8 | 3-10 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop | Async |
Outputdifferent | Option Frames, Assumption Notes, Comparable Shortlist, Decision Inputs | TOWS Matrix, Strategic Options, Priority Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | OptionsDecision framingStrategyComparison | StrategyAnalysisOptions | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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