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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologySAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Evaporating CloudFuture Reality Tree
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Systems Thinking Evaporating Cloud |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The method makes visible why two seemingly incompatible demands arise and which assumption must be tested to resolve the conflict. | A Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Medium | High |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 60-120 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 2-8 | 3-8 |
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 | Conflict Cloud, Assumption List, Breakthrough Ideas, Next Experiments | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | Theory of ConstraintsAssumptionsSystems thinking | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |