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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping |  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. | 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. | In organizations with many stakeholders, it often blurs who actually decides and who is merely consulted. It separates options, evaluation criteria, and open risks. The result is captured as a Decision Rights matrix and an agreement. | 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 | 1-4 h | 90-180 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-5 | 4-12 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |