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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Behavior Over Time Graph.
Systems Thinking
Behavior Over Time Graph
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.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.A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-45 min20-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-121-31-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsADR File, Decision Log, RationaleBehavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of System Archetypes with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Archetypes
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram