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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture arc42 | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments | ![]() Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. | An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-4 | 3-20 Reviewer | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |



