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Selected:Polarity MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Alignment MappingLeverage Points
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Systems Thinking Leverage Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-12 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Leverage Map, Action Strategy |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy |