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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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 | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |
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