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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Operations Causal Factor Analysis |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | For an event with a complicated course, the method breaks down the contributing factors along the timeline. It shows how conditions, decisions, and reactions together produce a course of events. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 15-45 min | 2-6 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-3 | 3-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Event Timeline, Causal Factor Chart, Cause List, Corrective Actions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | CausalityIncidentRoot causeTimeline | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |