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Selected:SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Leverage PointsArchitecture Decision RecordForce Field Analysis
| Criterion |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Leverage Points |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Decision Making Force Field Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Leverage Points show exactly where interventions in a system produce a disproportionate effect. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a leverage map and action strategy. | 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. | In change initiatives, supporting and restraining forces sit at the table at the same time. Force Field Analysis makes these tensions explicit and shows where change can be pushed forward by strengthening or relieving. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | Half day | 15-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 3-12 | 1-3 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | 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 | Leverage Map, Action Strategy | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Systems thinkingChangeStrategy | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ChangeDecisionStrategy |