View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Knowledge Modeling PARA Method |  Decision Making Decision Rights 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. | The PARA Method organizes knowledge into Projects, Areas, Resources, and Archives. It creates order when digital notes, files, and tasks no longer cleanly fit current work. | 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. | 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 Setup, laufend | 90-180 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1 | 4-12 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | PARA Structure, Project Notes, Knowledge Archive | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | KnowledgeProductivityOrganization | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |