View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
Selected:System Dynamics SimulationWardley MappingATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method)Alignment Mapping
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Systems Thinking Wardley Mapping |  Architecture ATAM (Architecture Tradeoff Analysis Method) |  Facilitation Alignment Mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Wardley Mapping makes visible where an offering stands today and where it can evolve. The method connects user need, value chain, and evolution stages into a strategic basis for platform, build, or buy decisions. | 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. | When several people work toward one goal but hold different mental maps, Alignment Mapping makes the discrepancies visible. It arranges goals, assumptions, and priorities so shared direction becomes verifiable. |
Complexitydifferent | High | Medium | High | Medium |
Timedifferent | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 1-3 h | Several meetings plus preparation and analysis; total effort depends on scope | 1-2 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 2-10 | Evaluation team, architects, and relevant stakeholders | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Wardley Map, Strategic Options, Evolution Notes | Prioritized quality scenarios in a utility tree, Architecture risks with reasoning and assumptions, Sensitivity and trade-off points, Findings report with open investigations | Alignment Map, Open Issues, Decision Questions |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | StrategySystems thinkingDynamics | ArchitectureQualityRiskTradeoffsStakeholders | AlignmentStakeholdersStrategyFacilitation |