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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration for Knowledge Mapping.
Knowledge Modeling
Knowledge Mapping
Paper illustration for Evaporating Cloud.
Systems Thinking
Evaporating Cloud
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
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.Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable.The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h1-3 h60-120 minSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope
Participantsdifferent
3-123-122-8Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsKnowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer PlanConflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next ExperimentsPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
KnowledgeMappingRisk
Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
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