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Selected:Polarity MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Force Field AnalysisChange Analysis
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Decision Making Force Field Analysis |  Operations Change Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. | For a deviation after a change, the method isolates the influence of the altered condition. It narrows down which differences are relevant and which are just accompanying noise. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 45-90 min | 45-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-12 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
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 | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes | Change Matrix, Cause Hypotheses, Validation Questions, Action List |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ChangeDecisionStrategy | ChangeRoot causeTroubleshootingComparison |