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Selected:Request for CommentsSoft Systems MethodologyDecision Rights MappingArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Request for Comments |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 0.5-3 Tage | 90-180 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-20 Reviewer | 5-15 | 4-12 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |