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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologySAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Cynefin WorkshopForce Field Analysis
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Decision Making Cynefin Workshop |  Decision Making Force Field Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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. | When problems are unclear, chaotic, or only seemingly familiar, standard recipes fall short. A Cynefin Workshop sorts situations by the nature of their problem and connects them with matching action logic. | 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 | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 60-180 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 4-20 | 3-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | 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 | Cynefin Map, Domain-specific Actions, Sensemaking Notes | Force Field Map, Change Levers, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ComplexitySensemakingDecision | ChangeDecisionStrategy |