View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:Problem Framing WorkshopSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Alignment MappingStakeholder Mapping
| Criterion |  Facilitation Problem Framing Workshop |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |  Facilitation Stakeholder Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | When a team works on symptoms but the real question stays fuzzy, a Problem Framing Workshop sharpens the view of the right problem. It separates observation, interpretation, and target picture from each other. | 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 several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. | When an initiative depends on many people, interests, and power dynamics, Stakeholder Mapping systematically orders the environment. It shows who influences, who is affected, and where relationship management or safeguarding matters first. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 60-120 min | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h | 60–90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 4-10 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-12 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Problem Statement, Scope Boundaries, Assumption List, Next Analysis Questions | 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 | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationAlignmentDiscovery | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange |