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| Criterion | ![]() Architecture Architecture Decision Record | ![]() UX Research Usability Testing | ![]() UX Research First-click Testing | ![]() Architecture Request for Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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. | When a product is built but people get stuck on tasks, usability testing shows the friction at concrete points. Observed use instead of self-report makes visible where orientation, understanding, or interaction breaks down. | When users immediately turn the wrong way on a screen or wireframe, first click testing checks initial orientation at high speed. The first click shows early whether expectation, labeling, and wayfinding fit together. | 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. |
Complexitydifferent | Low | Medium | Low | Medium |
Timedifferent | 15-45 min | 1-2 h je Session | 1-2 Tage | 1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung |
Participantsdifferent | 1-3 | Based on research question | 10-30 | 3-20 Reviewer |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Async | Async |
Outputdifferent | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Usability Issues, Severity List, Recommendations | Click Heatmap, Success Rate, Design Recommendations | RFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets |
Tagsno overlap | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ValidationUXPrototype | UXNavigationFindabilityValidation | ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance |



