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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Evaporating Cloud.
Systems Thinking
Evaporating Cloud
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
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.The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict.An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.
Complexitysame
MediumMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h60-120 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung
Participantsdifferent
3-122-83-20 Reviewer
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopAsync
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsConflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next ExperimentsRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
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Often compared together

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

Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)