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Criterion
Paper illustration of a Polarity Map with two poles and four quadrants
Systems Thinking
Polarity Mapping
Stock and Flow Diagram method illustration showing its working structure
Systems Thinking
Stock and Flow Diagram
Paper illustration: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration of System Dynamics Simulation with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics Simulation
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.A Stock and Flow Diagram shows how stocks, inflows, and outflows shape a system over time. It is especially suited when growth, delays, or capacity limits determine the dynamics.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.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.
Complexitydifferent
MediumHighHighHigh
Timedifferent
1-2 h2-6 hSeveral meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scopeMehrere Tage bis Wochen
Participantsdifferent
3-121-6Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance ActionsStock and Flow Model, Dynamics Notes, Simulation HypothesesPrioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigationsSimulation Model, Scenario Reports
Tagsno overlap
Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership
DynamicsSimulationFeedbackSystems thinking
ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders
Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis
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