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Criterion
Affinity Diagramming
UX Research
Affinity Diagramming
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration for DACI
Decision Making
DACI
Purposedifferent
When research notes, feedback, or observations sit unconnected side by side, affinity diagramming sorts the raw material into solid themes. Many individual points turn into patterns that make decisions and opportunities clearer.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.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.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
LowMediumLowLow
Timedifferent
45–90 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung1-2 Tage30-60 min
Participantsdifferent
3-103-20 Reviewer1-42-10
Formatdifferent
WorkshopAsyncWorkshop + asyncWorkshop + async
Outputdifferent
Theme clusters, Insight statements, Opportunity areasRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or ticketsArchitecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewDACI Matrix, Decision Owner, Decision Log
Tagsno overlap
SynthesisQualitativeRoot cause
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
DecisionRolesGovernanceAlignment
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