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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Decision Making Decision Matrix |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic. | 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. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 2-8 | 1-3 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Decision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected Option | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | SensemakingDecisionRationale |