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 | ![]() Business Strategy Porter Five Forces | ![]() Architecture C4 Model | ![]() Business Strategy Ansoff Matrix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | Porter Five Forces analyzes the forces that shape competitive pressure and profitability in a market. The view of market structure goes beyond individual competitors and reveals systemic pressure points. | 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. | The Ansoff Matrix organizes growth options by market and product relation. It helps weigh expansion, diversification, and adaptation cleanly against each other. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 h | 1-4 h | 45-90 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 2-8 | 1-5 | 2-8 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Five Forces Analysis, Competitive Risks, Strategic Options | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Ansoff Matrix, Growth Options, Risk Notes |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | StrategyCompetitionMarket | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | GrowthStrategyMarketPortfolio |



