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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture C4 Model |  UX Research Card Sorting |
|---|---|---|---|
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 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. | When content only makes sense internally and users can't find the structure again, card sorting exposes their mental order. Terms, groups, and naming are then aligned with the target group's expectations. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | 20-45 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-5 | Based on research question |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Content groups, Label set, IA hypotheses |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Information architectureNavigationStructure |
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