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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyCATWOE AnalysisArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Communication Canvas
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. | 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 Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 45-90 min | 15-45 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-8 | 1-3 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |