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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Change Analysis.
Operations
Change Analysis
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 deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise.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 h45-120 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-122-61-3
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsChange Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action ListADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Current Reality Tree
Systems Thinking
Current Reality Tree