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| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Domain Modeling Context Map |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | Systems Mapping arranges elements, relationships, and boundaries so a complex field becomes legible at a glance. The overview stabilizes the overall picture before detail work or steering begins. | 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. | When several contexts need to talk to each other, it makes their relationships and dependencies legible. It helps sort integration pressure and responsibilities across system boundaries. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 15-45 min | 1-3 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-3 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Map, Integration Patterns, Boundary Notes |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesStrategy |
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