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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of System Dynamics Simulation with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics Simulation
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
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.System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports.A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighHighMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 hPreparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scopeMehrere Tage bis Wochen1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
3-12Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron2-8
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsDomain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternativesSimulation Model, Scenario ReportsCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
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