In this article, you will learn how to apply a structured decision tree to choose the right agentic design pattern for any AI system you are building. Topics we will cover include: Why pattern selection is a critical design decision, and what assumptions underlie each major agentic design pattern. A five-question decision tree that maps concrete task properties to the most appropriate starting pattern. Common failure signals for each pattern and the targeted fixes that address them. Choosing the Right Agentic Design Pattern: A Decision Tree Approach ( click to enlarge ) Introduction Most agentic architecture mistakes start with a simple misread of the problem. Developers often pick a pattern based on what looks impressive or familiar, not what the task actually needs. A multi-agent system from a talk can look like the “right” answer, so they spend weeks building orchestration for something a single well-prompted agent with a couple of tools could handle in a day.…