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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments | ![]() Decision Making Decision Rights Mapping | ![]() Decision Making DACI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | An RFC clarifies architecture context, options, and consequences. It structures technical context, alternatives, tradeoffs, open questions, and review feedback, and captures the result as an RFC document, reviewer comments, and a decision rationale. | 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. | In cross-functional decisions, responsibilities quickly blur between approval, influence, and execution. DACI arranges these roles so decision pressure, contribution, and information stay cleanly separated. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung | 90-180 min | 30-60 min |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 3-20 Reviewer | 4-12 | 2-10 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets | Decision Rights Matrix, Agreement | DACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log |
Tags1 shared | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance | DecisionGovernanceAlignmentResponsibility | DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment |



