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| Criterion |  Operations ALPEN Method |  Architecture C4 Model |  Decision Making Decision Tree |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time. | 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. | For decisions with follow-on paths and dependencies, a linear comparison is often not enough. A Decision Tree shows how options branch under conditions and which consequences hang on each branch. | 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 | Low | Medium | Low |
Timedifferent | 10-20 min daily | 1-4 h | 30-90 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 1 | 1-5 | 1-6 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Daily Plan, Time Estimates, Review Notes | Context Diagram, Container Diagram, Component Diagram | Decision Tree, Option Map, Assumption List | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations | ArchitectureCommunicationVisualization | DecisionTreeOptions | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |