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| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Innovation Crazy 8s |  Architecture C4 Model |  Innovation Brainstorming |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | With only a few minutes available and a still-fuzzy solution search, the method forces a wide range of variants. It produces fast sketches before the first idea can settle in, making different directions directly comparable and open to further development. | 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 team faces an open question with many obvious directions, the method first creates breadth instead of premature commitment. It separates idea flow from evaluation and makes lines of thought visible, creating a pool for selection and further development. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 8-15 min | 1-4 h | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-10 | 1-5 | 4-12 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Sketch Set, Idea Shortlist, Direction Options | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Idea pool, Theme clusters, Shortlist |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | BrainstormingSketchingSpeedDivergenceDesign sprint | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | BrainstormingIdeationCreativityWorkshopDivergence |