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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologyDecision Rights MappingArgument MappingArchitecture Decision Record
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  Decision Making Argument Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 90-180 min | 1-3 h | 15-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 4-12 | 1-8 | 1-3 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Async |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | SensemakingDecisionRationale | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance |