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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
Paper illustration for Argument Mapping
Decision Making
Argument Mapping
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.When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on.
Complexitydifferent
LowMediumLowMedium
Timedifferent
20-60 min45-90 min15-45 min1-3 h
Participantsdifferent
1-42-81-31-8
Formatdifferent
AsyncWorkshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Runbook, Checklist, Escalation PathDecision Matrix, Scoring Rationale, Selected OptionADR File, Decision Log, RationaleArgument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale
Tagsno overlap
OperationsReliabilityDocumentation
DecisionCriteriaScoringTradeoffs
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
SensemakingDecisionRationale
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