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Criterion
A paper-based illustration representing arc42 with its core stages and visible working result.
Architecture
arc42
Paper illustration of two considered options leading to a decision record with a marked status and visible consequences.
Architecture
Architecture Decision Record
Paper illustration for Contradiction Analysis.
Innovation
Contradiction Analysis
Paper illustration of Request for Comments (RFC) with its method-specific working model.
Architecture
Request for Comments
Purposedifferent
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.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 system should improve while another measure suffers as a result, the method makes the underlying conflict precisely formulable. It separates the desired effect from its side effect. This makes solutions possible that address the contradiction deliberately instead of half-heartedly.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
LowLowMediumMedium
Timedifferent
1-2 Tage15-45 min60-120 min1-3 Wochen vom Draft bis zur Entscheidung
Participantsdifferent
1-41-32-83-20 Reviewer
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncWorkshopAsync
Outputdifferent
Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment ViewADR File, Decision Log, RationaleContradiction Statement, Abstraction Notes, Solution Principles, Concept IdeasRFC document, Reviewer comments, Decision rationale, Follow-up ADR or tickets
Tagsno overlap
ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication
ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance
ContradictionsInnovationProblem solving
ArchitectureDecisionAsyncGovernance
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