methodatlas
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Criterion
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
A paper-based illustration representing Brainstorming with its core stages and visible working result.
Innovation
Brainstorming
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
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 a team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development.An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung30-60 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
3-20 Reviewer4-121-3
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshopAsync
Outputdifferent
RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsIdea pool, Theme clusters, ShortlistADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of the Lotus Blossom working structure.
Innovation
Lotus Blossom
Paper illustration of Design Charrette with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Design Charrette
Paper illustration of Rapid Ideation with its method-specific working model.
Innovation
Rapid Ideation
Paper illustration for Reverse Brainstorming
Innovation
Reverse Brainstorming