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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments | ![]() Decision Making Cynefin Workshop | ![]() Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 60-180 min | 0.5-3 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-20 Reviewer | 4-20 | 5-15 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking |



