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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture C4 Model |  Systems Thinking CATWOE Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
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. | CATWOE structures a problem from six viewpoints and prevents too narrow a view of the situation. Different experiences of the system become comparably discussable this way. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-5 | 3-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | CATWOE Canvas, Root Definition, Stakeholder Perspectives, Constraints |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | Systems thinkingFramingStakeholders |
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