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Selected:System Dynamics SimulationSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Architecture Decision RecordBehavior Over Time Graph
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | 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. | 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. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. |
Complexitydifferent | High | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-3 | 1-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | 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 | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics |