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Selected:Polarity MappingROAM BoardSoft Systems MethodologyATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Agile ROAM Board |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  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. | When work needs to move between different states or columns, it makes that movement and its handoffs legible. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as a ROAM Board and an Owner List. | 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. | 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 | Medium | Low | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 20-40 min initial, dann laufend | 0.5-3 Tage | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-15 | 5-15 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | ROAM Board, Owner List | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Prioritized 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 | RiskAgileTrackingAlignment | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders |