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Selected:Systems MappingSAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method)Architecture Decision RecordFuture Reality Tree
| Criterion |  Systems Thinking Systems Mapping |  Architecture SAAM (Software Architecture Analysis Method) |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Systems Thinking Future Reality Tree |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | 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 Future Reality Tree shows how desired actions are meant to lead to a better system state. The method checks whether a path of change holds together logically before time flows into implementation. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | High | Low | High |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | Preparation, scenario analysis, and findings review; effort depends on scope | 15-45 min | 2-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | Architecture experts and stakeholders for scenarios and weighting | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | 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 | Future Reality Tree, Negative Branches, Assumption List, Improved Injections |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | ArchitectureChangeAnalysisComparisonQuality | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Theory of ConstraintsSystems thinkingChange |