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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Views and Beyond | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Operations Root Cause Tree Analysis | ![]() Operations 5 Whys |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | For a problem with several suspected causes, the method builds a causal structure instead of a mere list. It makes visible how causes connect and where the strongest points of leverage lie. | For a single, hard-to-explain deviation, the method exposes the causal chain behind the visible symptom. It keeps the cause open until a controllable condition emerges instead of a mere description. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 Tage | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 15-30 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-4 | 1-3 | 2-8 | 2-6 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | Architecture Views, Cross-view Notes, Rationale | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Cause Tree, Evidence Notes, Countermeasures | Root cause notes, Countermeasures |
Tagsno overlap | DocumentationStakeholdersArchitecture | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Root causeTreeIncidentQuality | Root causeIncidentLeanProblem solving |



