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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Domain Modeling Domain Context Map | ![]() Decision Making Argument Mapping | ![]() Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a domain model and its associated contexts need to be thought through together, it creates a shared overview. It connects the business view and organizational boundary into a readable whole. | When statements, evidence, and counterarguments get mixed up, a debate quickly loses its structure. Argument Mapping breaks a thesis down into its reasoning and makes visible what it really rests on. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 1-3 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-10 | 1-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Domain Context Map, Boundary Notes, Ownership Map | Argument Map, Evidence Gaps, Decision Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Domain-Driven DesignContextBoundaries | SensemakingDecisionRationale | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



