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Criterion
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of Decision Rights Mapping with its method-specific working model.
Decision Making
Decision Rights Mapping
Purposedifferent
An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale.When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer.In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung45–90 min90-180 min
Participantsdifferent
3-20 Reviewer3-104-12
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopWorkshop
Outputdifferent
RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsTheme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasDecision Rights Matrix, Agreement
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Architecture Inception Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Inception Canvas
Empathy Mapping
UX Research
Empathy Mapping