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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Innovation Lean Startup | ![]() Architecture Architecture Inception Canvas | ![]() 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. | For uncertain business assumptions, the method forces the idea into contact with real market reactions early. It separates wishful picture, assumption, and observable behavior, so that learning becomes faster than planning. This translates uncertainty into measurable insight. | The Architecture Inception Canvas bundles the first architecture questions into a compact decision picture. It fits when an initiative is still in motion but still needs clear guardrails. | 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 | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Wochen bis Monate je Lernzyklus | 1-2 h | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 3-8 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Hypothesis list, MVPs, Learning reports, Pivot or persevere decision | Inception Canvas, Risks, Goal List, Open Questions | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | LeanStartupValidationMVP | AlignmentArchitectureCanvas | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |



