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Selected:SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Concept MappingLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Knowledge Mapping
| Criterion | ![]() Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Concept Mapping | ![]() Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) | ![]() Knowledge Modeling Knowledge Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Concept Mapping arranges terms and relationships in a network that makes subject-matter connections tangible. It fits when a topic needs to be understood structurally rather than linearly. | 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. | Knowledge Mapping makes knowledge, gaps, and transfer paths visible across a field. It fits when expertise should not just exist but also be findable and transferable. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 1-2 h | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-8 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 3-12 |
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 | Concept Map, Relationship Labels, Knowledge Gaps | 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 | Knowledge Map, Critical Knowledge Areas, Transfer Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | KnowledgeConceptsMappingSensemaking | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | KnowledgeMappingRisk |



