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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Business Strategy Ansoff Matrix |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | 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. | The Ansoff Matrix organizes growth options by market and product relation. It helps weigh expansion, diversification, and adaptation cleanly against each other. | The C4 Model makes a system legible across several resolution levels, from context down to code. It suits situations where different audiences need to understand the same architecture from different altitudes. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 45-90 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Ansoff Matrix, Growth Options, Risk Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | GrowthStrategyMarketPortfolio | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |
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