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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Inception CanvasArgument Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Soft Systems Methodology helps explore unclear or politically charged problems systematically. Instead of forcing a quick answer, the method builds a shared understanding of perspectives and room for action. | 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. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 15-45 min | 1-2 h | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-3 | 3-8 | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | SensemakingDecisionRationale |