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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture C4 Model |  Facilitation Mind Mapping |  Architecture Architecture Communication Canvas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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 a topic is still unclear and too many thoughts surface at once, Mind Mapping creates an open surface for ordering them. It makes connections, subtopics, and starting points visible without fixing them too early. | The Architecture Communication Canvas plans architecture communication so the right people receive the right message. The method turns technical complexity into deliberate communication design. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Low | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-4 h | 15-45 min | 60-120 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-5 | 1-10 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Mind Map, Topic Clusters, Open Questions | Communication Canvas, Stakeholder Messages, Architecture Communication Plan |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | BrainstormingIdeasMappingStructureFacilitation | ArchitectureCommunicationStakeholdersCanvas |