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Criterion
Paper illustration with architecture components and concrete change tasks for comparison.
Architecture
SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Ivy Lee Method
Operations
Ivy Lee Method
Paper illustration of a calibrated five-by-five risk matrix with response cards.
Decision Making
Risk Matrix
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.With a restless workday full of too many open items, the method creates radical simplicity. It directs attention to a short sequence instead of a broad, still-open field.When a project faces many possible disruptions, it quickly becomes unclear which risks deserve attention first. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Risk Matrix and a Top Risk List.
Complexitydifferent
HighLowLow
Timedifferent
Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope5-10 min daily30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting13-10
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshop + async
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 alternativesDaily Priority List, Completion NotesRisk Matrix, Top Risk List
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality
PrioritizationProductivityExecution
RiskDecisionPrioritizationAssessment
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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: scenarios and architectural decisions are connected to identified risks.
Architecture
ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)
Paper illustration for Eat the Frog
Operations
Eat the Frog
Paper illustration of an assumption matrix with prioritized test cards
Decision Making
Assumption Surfacing