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Selected:Polarity MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)3-Circle Venn DiagramArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation 3-Circle Venn Diagram |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 three perspectives matter at the same time, a Three-Circle Venn Diagram shows the overlaps and remainders precisely. It makes visible where shared effect arises and where only a partial perspective applies. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | 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 | Venn Diagram, Overlap Notes, Differentiators | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ComparisonFacilitationAlignment | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |