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Selected:SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Behavior Over Time GraphLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Causal Loop Diagram
| Criterion |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  Systems Thinking Causal Loop Diagram |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | SAAM helps teams judge an architecture’s suitability for selected tasks and changes. It is particularly useful for examining modifiability and comparing architecture alternatives with clear reasoning. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | LASR helps development teams identify where their software falls short of important quality goals and which improvements to consider. A small group with existing system knowledge can make an initial assessment and investigate open questions in more detail. | A Causal Loop Diagram makes feedback, reinforcement, and balance in a system legible. It uncovers side effects and self-reinforcement that stay hidden in linear explanations. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 20-45 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-10 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Domain functions mapped to components and connections, Quality attributes and evaluation criteria, Typical tasks and their effects on the architecture, Reasoned evaluation or comparison of alternatives | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Lean Mission Statement describing the software’s purpose, Prioritized quality goals and evaluation criteria, Risks and estimated gaps against quality goals, More closely examined findings and open checks | Causal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage Points |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics |