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Criterion
Runbook workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Runbook
Paper illustration of a decision table with criteria rows, weighted ratings, and a narrowly leading alternative.
Decision Making
Decision Matrix
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Purposedifferent
For recurring operational tasks or incidents, the method keeps solid action logic ready. It reduces uncertainty when time pressure, role changes, or rare situations demand fast access.When several options collide with several criteria, comparison quickly becomes subjective. A Decision Matrix makes the trade-off visible and brings weighting, criteria, and options into a shared logic.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
LowMediumLow
Timedifferent
20-60 min45-90 min15-45 min
Participantsdifferent
1-42-81-3
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Runbook, Checklist, Escalation PathDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionADR File, Decision Log, Rationale
Tagsno overlap
OperationsReliabilityDocumentation
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
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Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Paper illustration for Trade-off Analysis.
Decision Making
Trade-off Analysis
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping