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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas |  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 Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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 | 1-2 h | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tags1 shared | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |
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