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Criterion
Software Architecture Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Software Architecture Canvas
A 5 Whys working surface connects an observable problem with evidenced causes, marked uncertainty and concrete countermeasures with ownership.
Operations
5 Whys
Architecture Inception Canvas method illustration showing its working structure
Architecture
Architecture Inception Canvas
A3 Problem-Solving workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
A3 Problem Solving
Purposedifferent
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.For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description.The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails.For a complex deviation with several people involved, the method bundles problem, analysis, and decision onto one page. It creates a shared working space where causes, countermeasures, and follow-up fit together.
Complexitydifferent
LowLowLowMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 h15-30 min1-2 h45-90 min
Participantsdifferent
3-102-63-82-5
Formatdifferent
WorkshopWorkshopWorkshopWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality AttributesRoot cause notes, CountermeasuresInception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open QuestionsA3 Report, Action Plan, Root Cause Analysis
Tagsno overlap
CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop
Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving
AlignmentArchitectureCanvas
LeanProblem solvingCoachingOperations
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