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Selected:Soft Systems MethodologySoftware Architecture CanvasATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Risk Storming
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Soft Systems Methodology |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Architecture Risk Storming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | The Software Architecture Canvas reduces a system to the most important architecture decisions, constraints, and interfaces. It is useful when teams need a resilient overall picture quickly. | ATAM helps teams weigh architecture decisions when quality goals compete. The team considers business goals, stakeholder expectations, and technical decisions together. The evaluation shows which risks need further investigation. | Helps clarify architecture context, options, and consequences in concrete terms. It organizes technical context, alternatives, and consequences. The result is captured as an Annotated Diagram, a Prioritized Risk List, and an Action Backlog. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Low | High | Low |
Timedifferent | 0.5-3 Tage | 1-2 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 60-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 5-15 | 3-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Rich Picture, Root Definitions, Conceptual Models, Change Agenda | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Annotated Diagram, Prioritized Risk List, Action Backlog |
Tagsno overlap | Soft systemsComplexitySensemakingSystems thinking | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | RiskArchitectureWorkshopValidation |