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Selected:Polarity MappingTeam Cognitive Load AssessmentATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Business Model Stress Test
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Polarity Mapping |  Team Design Team Cognitive Load Assessment |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Business Strategy Business Model Stress Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a team juggles too many domains, systems, or handoffs, it measures mental overload as an organizational problem. It clarifies responsibility, interaction, and load between teams. The result is captured as a cognitive-load profile and action list. | 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. | A Business Model Stress Test checks how well a business model holds up under pressure and headwinds. It compares strengths, risks, market logic, and courses of action. The result is captured as a stress-test report and action plan per scenario. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | High | High |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 60-90 min | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | Half day |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 3-12 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Polarity Map, Warning Signs, Balance Actions | Cognitive Load Profile, Action List | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Stress Test Report, Action Plan per Scenario |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingTradeoffsLeadership | TeamComplexityImprovementDiagnosis | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | StrategyBusiness modelRiskDiagnosis |