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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyArchitecture Decision RecordLASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews)Argument Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture LASR (Lightweight Approach for Software Reviews) |  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. | 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. | 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 | Medium | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 15-45 min | 3–4 h for initial assessment; preparation and deeper analysis additional | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 1-3 | 1 or a small team; particularly suitable for 3–4 people | 1-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | 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 | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureQualityRiskAssessmentLean | SensemakingDecisionRationale |