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Selected:Polarity MappingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Expectation MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Expectation Mapping |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | When roles, interfaces, or projects fail because of differing expectations, Expectation Mapping surfaces these differences. It shows what each side takes for granted and where the pictures diverge. | 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 | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-12 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Expectation Map, Alignment Notes, Agreements | 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 | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | AlignmentStakeholdersTeam | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean |