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| Criterion |  Operations PDCA Cycle |  Architecture arc42 |  Product Discovery Assumption Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | For an improvement that still has to prove itself in everyday work, the method runs it through small learning loops. It connects planning, checking, and standardization into a repeatable learning mode. | 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 assumptions still sit unordered in the room, it weighs uncertainty against leverage. It makes visible which hypotheses should be checked first. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1 h bis mehrere Wochen | 1-2 Tage | 45-60 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional |
Participantsdifferent | 1-8 | 1-4 | 2-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people |
Formatsame | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | PDCA Log, Experiment Plan, Learning Outcome, Standard Change | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | Assumption map, Test backlog, Risk ranking | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks |
Tagsno overlap | Continuous improvementLeanExperiments | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | AssumptionsRiskExperimentsValidation | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean |