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Selected:Problem Framing WorkshopSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Architecture Inception CanvasStakeholder Mapping
| Criterion |  Facilitation Problem Framing Workshop |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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 | Low | 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 | 3-8 | 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 | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Stakeholder Map, Engagement Plan, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | FacilitationAlignmentDiscovery | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | StakeholdersAlignmentFacilitationChange |