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 |  Innovation Solo Brainstorming |  Architecture C4 Model |
|---|---|---|---|
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 an individual thinking problem with no counterpart immediately available, the method creates a protected space for one's own approaches. It prevents outside opinions from narrowing thinking too early. This lets ideas mature before they go into a group format. | 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. |
Complexitysame | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 15-60 min | 1-4 h |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1 | 1-5 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Personal Idea List, Sketches or Mind Map, Pre-Read for Group Session | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | BrainstormingIdeationAsync | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization |
Often compared together
Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.
