methodatlas
Compare

View methods side by side.

Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.

Criterion
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Causal Loop Diagram workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Systems Thinking
Causal Loop Diagram
Four paper stations connect system purpose, quality goals, risk cards and focused investigation with a target and gap profile.
Architecture
LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)
Paper illustration of System Dynamics Simulation with its method-specific working model.
Systems Thinking
System Dynamics Simulation
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 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.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.System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports.
Complexitydifferent
HighMediumMediumHigh
Timedifferent
Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope1-3 h3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additionalMehrere Tage bis Wochen
Participantsdifferent
Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting2-81 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncWorkshopWorkshop + asyncAsync
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 alternativesCausal Loop Diagram, Feedback Notes, Leverage PointsLean 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 checksSimulation Model, Scenario Reports
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
FeedbackSystems thinkingCausalityDynamics
ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean
Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis
Add more methods