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Selected:Software Architecture CanvasEmpathy MappingArchitecture Decision RecordArchitecture Inception Canvas
| Criterion |  Architecture Software Architecture Canvas |  UX Research Empathy Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a lot is assumed about a target group but little is seen jointly, empathy mapping makes knowledge and gaps directly comparable. The picture also shows which assumptions hold up and where evidence is missing. | 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. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-2 h | 30–60 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 4-8 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Canvas, Goals, Constraints, Quality Attributes | Empathy Map, Assumptions List, Research Gaps | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions |
Tagsno overlap | CanvasArchitectureAlignmentWorkshop | SynthesisQualitativeWorkshop | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas |