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Selected:Polarity MappingSpecification by ExampleATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Acceptance Criteria Workshop
| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping | ![]() Agile Specification by Example | ![]() Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) | ![]() Agile Acceptance Criteria Workshop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | When a story needs clear checkpoints before implementation, it sharpens expectation and scope together. It sorts work by value, risk, and delivery ability. The result is captured as Acceptance Criteria and a Story Update. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 60-90 min pro Feature | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 20-40 min pro Story |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-6 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Example Table, Acceptance Tests | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Acceptance Criteria, Story Update |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | AgileRequirementsExamplesBehavior-Driven Development | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | AgileRequirementsRefinementBehavior-Driven Development |



