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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Agile Specification by Example | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 business rules need to become precise, it ties language, example, and test together. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as an Example Table and Acceptance Tests. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 60-90 min pro Feature | 1-2 Tage | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-6 | 1-4 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Example Table, Acceptance Tests | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | AgileRequirementsExamplesBehavior-Driven Development | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |



