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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Domain Modeling Bounded Context 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. | When a business context is still loosely outlined, it shapes language, responsibility, and integration space. It clarifies what belongs together and where a boundary needs to hold. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-8 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Canvas, Glossary, Integration Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Domain-Driven DesignBoundariesModeling | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |
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