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| Criterion | ![]() Systems Thinking Systems Mapping | ![]() Architecture Views and Beyond | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Views and Beyond organizes architecture into several views so no single diagram has to do everything at once. This makes it possible to choose the representation that fits the stakeholder's question. | 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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 1-3 Tage | 15-45 min | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 3-12 | 1-4 | 1-3 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | System Map, Dependencies, Leverage Points | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints |
Tagsno overlap | Systems thinkingMappingBoundariesChange | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders |



