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 |  Systems Thinking System Dynamics Simulation |  Systems Thinking Behavior Over Time Graph |  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. | System Dynamics Simulation makes assumptions about time, delay, and feedback testable through experiments. It draws relationships, patterns, and feedback loops. The result is captured as a simulation model and scenario reports. | A Behavior Over Time Graph shows how a metric or observation develops over time. The method makes trends, breaks, and recurring patterns visible that get lost in snapshots. | 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 | High | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | Mehrere Tage bis Wochen | 20-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | 1-5 Modellierende, Stakeholder asynchron | 1-10 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Simulation Model, Scenario Reports | Behavior Over Time Graph, Trend Hypotheses, Key Events | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | Systems thinkingDynamicsSimulationAnalysis | Systems thinkingPatternsDynamics | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |