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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
Polarity Mapping makes tensions between two opposing poles tangible, such as standardization and adaptation or control and autonomy. The method guards against making apparent either-or decisions prematurely.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.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
MediumMediumLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h45-90 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-122-51-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause AnalysisADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk